In an alleged 2021 crime, Julianna S. plotted, along with friend Karolina Z. and accomplice Dariusz Z., to kill her parents, the ordeal spanned months, culminating in a brutal execution during a Christmas Eve gathering. The three were later arrested; Julianna was sentenced to life imprisonment, with reductions after appeal.
Background
Barbara and Mieczysław S., with their daughter Julianna, had spent years abroad in the UK, Germany, and South Africa before deciding to return to Poland around 2000. They settled in Kudowa‑Zdrój, trading UK‑made clothing. Julianna was 19 at the time.
Early Years with Karolina Z.
After completing her linguistics degree and serving as a CEO of a real estate company, Julianna pursued a passion for horses. In August 2016, her parents bought her a house with a neighboring barn, located some 30 kilometres from Kudowa.
Relationship with Karolina Z.
In 2019, Julianna met sixteen‑year‑old Karolina Z. The friendship grew over shared equestrian interests. Karolina visited regularly, helping out at the stable, and complained of quarrels with her parents. After two years, with her mother’s consent and her father’s objection, Karolina moved in with Julianna.
Shocking Admission to Police
Later that year, Julianna filed a police complaint alleging sexual exploitation by Karolina’s father from 2014‑2019 and that he stalked his daughter. The court appointed Julianna as Karolina’s legal guardian, securing access to benefits including 500+ and family assistance funds.
Plans of Murder
Between late 2021 and early 2022, Julianna, with Karolina, devised a plan to kill her parents on Christmas Eve. She first argued that she could not have them read the cake because she had allergies or dietary restrictions. However, they purchased a sedative for large animals from a local veterinary clinic and mixed it with a milk glaze, icing, and blanched almonds.
Acquisition of Firearm
On December 23, the women asked Dariusz Z., a 50‑year‑old tech entrepreneur, to help procure a machine‑gun. He ordered it online, and the shipment arrived the next day. He also supplied them with a firing prescription.
First Attempt – Sedation
When her parents accepted the cake, the sedative produced minimal drowsiness. The woman’s reaction was negligible, and the plan failed. Consequently, the trio shifted to using the firearm.
Execution of the Plan
On January 13, 2022, the women entered the parents’ home. Julianna drew the gun from Karolina’s bag and fired, initially striking her mother in the back, then her chest. Karolina fired twice at the father; the second shot grazed Julianna’s jaw, causing severe bleeding. Both parents died of massive blood loss.
Aftermath and Disposal of Bodies
Post‑incident, the women placed the bodies in carpets, wrapped them in black construction sheets, and used an ozone machine and cooler to impede decomposition. They discarded the bodies in the apartment, attempting to mask them with insect larvae and further wrappings.
Investigation and Arrest
On April 20, following a tip from Julianna’s aunt, authorities discovered the remains. The police arrested Julianna and Karolina that evening, and Dariusz the following day.
Legal Assessments
Psychiatric evaluations found all three mentally fit, noting diminished empathy and a pattern of superficial relationships, yet no severe disorders. Karolina admitted guilt, stating that Julianna had shot the mother, and that Karolina had fired at the father. Dariusz also maintained innocence.
Trial and Verdicts
On August 28, 2024, the Świdnica Court sentenced Julianna S. to life imprisonment (parole after 30 years) and a 10‑year loss of public rights, with a 40,000 zł compensation order. Karolina received twelve years’ imprisonment and a ten‑year loss of public rights; upon appeal it was reduced to eleven years and ten months. Dariusz was sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment and a 50,000 zł contribution to the state treasury, later adjusted to thirteen years and six months.
Conclusion
The case underscores that murder of parents remains among the gravest crimes, demanding severe punishment and societal protection.
