Following a history of domestic disputes, 50-year-old Renata H. was found dead in her bathtub by police, leading to the 25-year sentencing of her daughter’s former partner, Rafał M.
Discovery of the Victim
Concerns were raised when Renata H. failed to show up for work at a mushroom farm. When friends and coworkers could not reach her, they notified the police, who entered the home after fire services breached a window.
Officers found the 50-year-old victim dead in a bathtub filled with water. A physician estimated the time of death to be four to five hours prior. Despite a lack of forced entry, investigators noted a missing wallet and signs of a struggle.
A History of Violence
The investigation focused on 41-year-old Rafał M., who had been in a volatile relationship with the victim’s daughter, Klaudia. Court records documented multiple police interventions at the home, including reports of physical abuse and property damage.
Prior to the murder, Rafał M. had served jail time for harassment and domestic abuse. Following his release from a psychiatric facility in March 2025, he returned to the house repeatedly, creating a pattern of intimidation that escalated into lethal violence.
The Prosecution and Verdict
Forensic evidence confirmed the victim died from drowning after a physical assault. Rafał M. claimed he had only intended to take a phone, but physical evidence, including DNA found on his clothing, contradicted his testimony.
In March 2026, the court sentenced Rafał M. to 25 years in prison, citing his brutal actions and the vulnerability of the victim. The court rejected the defense’s claim of an accidental drowning, noting that the perpetrator exploited the victim’s inability to defend herself.
Police Procedure Review
Local authorities maintained that their previous interventions were handled in accordance with the law, as the victim had not filed formal criminal complaints. Officials emphasized that officers were not provided with grounds for mandatory protective measures at the time.
Advocacy groups suggest that individuals in fear of domestic violence should utilize formal legal protections, such as temporary restraining orders or emergency removal notices, which allow police to intervene proactively against perpetrators.
