In Ursus, Warsaw, a family of four was found murdered on March 31, 2024, with investigations revealing a potential accomplice paid with money and alcohol.
A Disturbing Discovery
Mariusz arrived at his parents’ villa on Koronacyjna Street in Ursus on March 31, 2024, to find the gate closed and no one answering. He and his brother, their wives, and children were scheduled for an Easter breakfast.
After circling the property, they found the house seemingly undisturbed, with a swept yard and fresh flowers, but an unsettling silence.
The Scene of the Crime
Artur retrieved a spare key, and the group entered the house to discover a horrific scene. His niece first noticed a pool of blood in the hallway.
They found the bodies of their grandparents, Elias and Jadwiga, 80, in winter coats but without shoes, suggesting they were attacked upon entering the home. The scene appeared to be an execution.
A Farewell Note and Disturbing Details
The brothers found their father, Zygmunt, 63, dead in the kitchen, and their mother, Anna, murdered in the bedroom. A farewell letter addressed to her sons, Artur and Mariusz, was discovered in the kitchen.
A forensic pathologist determined the victims suffered numerous stab wounds inflicted with various tools, indicating a particularly violent attack and animosity towards the victims.
The Contents of the Letter
Zygmunt wrote the farewell letter over several months, beginning on December 12, 2023, and concluding on the evening of March 30th. The letter was chaotic, dominated by accusations against his wife and in-laws.
A psychological profile of the letter revealed a growing intensity of negative feelings and an obsessive belief in his wife’s infidelity.
Infidelity and Communication
Analysis of Anna’s phone records showed she sent photos of the Easter table preparations to a lover in Opole on the evening of March 30th, while her husband was writing the final part of his farewell letter.
Anna openly expressed her happiness, celebrating her 56th birthday with a Facebook post expressing hope for a better year.
A Relationship Forged Online
Anna met Marek on a dating website. He testified that he was in love and wanted to build a life with her, believing she was separated and in the process of divorce.
Marek later discovered there was no divorce proceeding filed.
Initial Investigation and a Key Contact
Investigators initially considered the case a possible extended suicide. However, phone records revealed Zygmunt made 68 calls to one number in the days leading up to the murders, including three calls on the day of the crime.
That number belonged to 50-year-old Ukrainian national, Ihor L., who had been in Poland intermittently since 2000.
Ihor L.’s Background
Ihor L. had worked in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine, struggling with alcohol addiction and frequent job loss. He often lacked funds for housing and lived in makeshift shelters.
During questioning, Ihor L. repeatedly stated he needed money, and several hundred złoty were missing from the M. household.
Surveillance Footage and the Night of the Murder
Surveillance footage from March 30th showed Ihor L. near a train station in Piastów, receiving a message from M. likely summoning him to the scene. Experts believe Anna was murdered around 8 PM.
Footage showed Ihor L. leaving the house with a full shopping bag at 11:59 PM, counting money, and spending the night on a park bench after drinking heavily.
Arrest and Conflicting Statements
Ihor L. was arrested on April 1, 2024, with 350 zł in his possession. He claimed he didn’t know Zygmunt M. and denied any involvement, suggesting someone stole his phone.
He initially claimed to have made purchases at a store that was closed at the time.
Forensic Evidence
Biological evidence revealed Jadwiga G.’s blood on Ihor L.’s clothing. However, other forensic evidence did not yield conclusive results.
The Connection Between the Men
Investigators believe Zygmunt and Ihor L. met through chance, possibly due to their shared ability to easily make acquaintances. Ihor L.’s financial difficulties may have made him susceptible to Zygmunt’s offer.
The murder involved knives and a blunt object, which Ihor L. carried away in the shopping bag.
The Trial and Verdict
Ihor L.’s trial began in September 2025. He initially maintained his innocence but later admitted to knowing Zygmunt M., contradicting earlier statements.
The court heard testimony about the shopping bag being from a store frequented by Anna, a nurse. The missing blunt object was identified as a homemade weapon created by Zygmunt M.
Family Dynamics and Motives
The sons described a strained relationship between their father and their mother’s parents, who belittled him and treated him with disrespect. Zygmunt felt unappreciated and unsupported by his wife.
A neighbor testified that Zygmunt often confided in her about his unhappiness and the lack of appreciation from his family.
The Prosecution and Defense Arguments
The prosecution sought a life sentence for Ihor L., arguing he was a co-conspirator in the murders. The defense argued there was insufficient evidence to prove his involvement.
The prosecution noted the missing alcohol and the money Ihor L. was seen counting.
The Final Statement and Sentencing
Ihor L. maintained his innocence, claiming he was asked to help with an unspecified task. The court sentenced Ihor L. to 25 years in prison, with compensation to the sons.
The court acknowledged the complexity of the case and the uncertainty surrounding Ihor L.’s exact role, but found his presence at the scene constituted participation in the crime.