Autopsy: Famed pianist's daughters likely died of asphyxia

April 30, 2016 at 4:55 a.m. | Updated April 30, 2016 at 4:59 a.m.

by Associated Press

In this June 9, 2013 file photo, Vadym Kholodenko of Ukraine performs a concerto with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during finals in the 14th Van Cliburn international piano competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Police say the two daughters of Kholodenko have been found slain in their Texas home and the musician's estranged wife is being treated for stab wounds. Benbrook police Cmdr. David Babcock said Friday, March 18, 2016 that Kholodenko is cooperating with investigators and that no one has been arrested in the deaths of 5-year-old Nika and 1-year-old Michela.
In this June 9, 2013 file photo, Vadym Kholodenko of Ukraine performs a concerto with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during finals in the 14th Van Cliburn international piano competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Police say the two daughters of Kholodenko have been found slain in their Texas home and the musician's estranged wife is being treated for stab wounds. Benbrook police Cmdr. David Babcock said Friday, March 18, 2016 that Kholodenko is cooperating with investigators and that no one has been arrested in the deaths of 5-year-old Nika and 1-year-old Michela.

FORT WORTH, Texas-A Texas medical examiner says the two young daughters of an internationally known pianist likely died of asphyxia.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Tarrant County medical examiner's office released the autopsy reports Thursday of 1-year-old Michela Kholodenko and 5-year-old Nika Kholodenko. Their mother, Sofya Tsygankova, has been charged in their deaths.

Vadym Kholodenko, a Ukrainian-born winner of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, discovered his daughters' bodies March 17 when he arrived at the Benbrook home the girls shared with their mother to take them to school. Arrest affidavits for Tsygankova, say the girls were found dead on beds.

The 31-year-old Tsygankova has pleaded not guilty to two counts of capital murder. She remains in the Tarrant County Jail with bail set at $2 million.

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