Tomasz J. received a 20-year prison sentence Friday for the 2025 murder of Father Dymek during a robbery at a parish in Kłobuck, Poland.
Parish Priest Found Dead
Father Dymek, 58, was killed in February 2025 during a robbery at the parish house. Police responded to reports of shouting and a struggle from the garage on Kochanowskiego Street.
Officers found the priest lying on the floor with his hands tied and his mouth and nose covered with stretch tape. A doctor pronounced him dead at the scene, and an autopsy revealed he died from violent suffocation.
Defendant Admits to Robbery Attempt
Tomasz J. began his trial in December 2025, admitting he intended to rob the priest but denying any intention to kill him. He claimed he planned the attack after overhearing two women in a store mention the priest had a large sum of money and a safe.
The defendant stated he was experiencing financial difficulties and had been defrauded, explaining, “I thought the priest would get scared and give me the money.”
Police Apprehension and Evidence
Police arriving at the scene saw a man in a balaclava fleeing in a vehicle. An officer removed the keys from the ignition, and with assistance, subdued the driver.
The suspect was found with a balaclava, zip ties, pruning shears, and an object resembling a pistol.
Investigation Details the Attack
The investigation revealed that Tomasz J., 52, entered the open garage and attacked the priest as he drove in. The priest attempted to defend himself and call for help, but the suspect overpowered him, tying his hands.
The suspect then covered the priest’s head with stretch tape, obstructing his breathing, before searching the parish house for money and valuables.
Financial Motive and Initial Confession
Investigators discovered the priest had collected a significant amount of money in donations shortly before the murder, reportedly 80,000 złoty during a house blessing collection.
Tomasz J. was initially charged with murder and attempted robbery, confessing to the crime and refusing to provide further statements. He was subsequently arrested.
Psychiatric Evaluation and Trial Outcome
A psychiatric evaluation determined that Tomasz J. was sane at the time of the crime and could be held criminally responsible. Experts also noted he attempted to feign mental illness during observation.
The court found that the perpetrator acted with eventual intent to kill, while prosecutors argued for direct intent, seeking a life sentence. The prosecution will request a written justification for the verdict, signaling a potential appeal.
