A Polish court sentenced Piotr J. to 24 years and three months in prison for the 2025 arson attack on two homeless individuals in Malbork.
Arson and the Verdict
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Gdańsk announced the verdict delivered on Friday, April 24th. The 39-year-old perpetrator was detained shortly after the incident and charged based on the evidence gathered.
Piotr J. was found guilty of the crimes and sentenced to a total of 24 years and three months in prison: 24 years for murder with particular cruelty and attempted murder with particular cruelty, and an additional six months for threats of deprivation of life and causing bodily harm through arson.
Victim Compensation
The court also ordered the defendant to pay 20,000 złoty in compensation and 2,500 złoty in damages to one of the victims.
The Attack and its Aftermath
The arson occurred in February 2025 in the center of Malbork, targeting a 55-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man experiencing homelessness. Investigators allege that Piotr J. approached the sleeping individuals and doused them with gasoline.
The male victim awoke to find his shoes and blanket on fire and noticed the woman’s clothing was also burning. He attempted to extinguish the flames while the perpetrator fled the scene.
Fatal Injuries
The woman, who suffered second and third-degree burns, was airlifted to a hospital where she later died. The man sustained injuries, while two other individuals who were sleeping nearby left the area.
Suspect’s Denial
In February of last year, the prosecutor’s office reported that the suspect denied any involvement in the incident, claiming he had purchased the gasoline to burn branches on his property.
