The tragic case of 8-year-old Tommy Valva, who was tortured and left to freeze to death in his NYPD dad’s garage, continues to unfold as his mother, Justyna Zubko-Valva, is reportedly pushing for a larger settlement than the agreed $2 million.
Earlier this month, Zubko-Valva had agreed to a $9 million settlement, with $3 million going to her lawyers, $2 million to herself, and $4 million split between trusts for her surviving teenage sons. However, she is now seeking $5.5 million for herself, leaving only $250,000 for each of her sons’ trusts. She argues that she needs the extra funds to properly care for her children, especially considering the trauma they have endured.
The settlement stems from Zubko-Valva’s lawsuit against Suffolk County for failing to protect Tommy despite multiple reports of abuse and neglect. She also challenged the judge’s decision to grant her ex-husband temporary custody of the children, leading to her loss of full custody for refusing a psych evaluation.
US Magistrate Judge Arlene Lindsay, who approved the initial settlement, has expressed concern that Zubko-Valva’s new demands could delay payments. Zubko-Valva has until January 15 to submit a new proposal, with the county given an additional week to respond before the next court date on January 30.
Tommy’s tragic death in 2020 shook the community, as he froze to death after being subjected to abuse and forced to sleep in freezing temperatures by his father, former NYPD cop Michael Valva, and his then-fiancée, Angela Pollina. Both adults were convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the devastating impact of Tommy’s death and the continued struggle for justice and closure for his family. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding abusers accountable for their actions.
