Vira Zabudko, 40, of Pennsylvania, is accused of trying to drown at least one of her roommate’s young children and forcing both a mother and her son underwater in a bathtub. She was arrested on March 27, 2026, and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, recklessly endangering another person, and simple assault.
What police say happened
The mother had asked Zabudko to watch her two sons, ages 5 and 11, while she briefly moved some belongings. When she returned, Zabudko initially refused to let her back into the apartment. After the mother finally got inside, she allegedly found Zabudko trying to push her 5‑year‑old out of a third‑story window through the screen.
A physical struggle followed, and Zabudko then told the 5‑year‑old to get in the shower “to wash the sins out because he is dirty,” according to the criminal complaint. She also allegedly tried to force the mother into the shower and dunked both their heads under water in the bathtub. The mother managed to escape with both children; all three were soaking wet when police arrived.
Charges and court status
The children did not have visible injuries, but the Fayette County District Attorney said the investigation could lead to additional charges. Zabudko posted bond after being booked into the Fayette County Jail but was ordered to have no contact with the mother or her children. Her next court date is scheduled for April 9, 2026.
