KAROLINA ZURAWSKA FROM SWANSEA INVOLVED IN TRAGIC KILLING OF SON DURING PSYCHOTIC EPISODE

Karolina Zurawska, a woman originally from Poland and residing in Swansea, was at the center of a heartbreaking and tragic incident that resulted in the death of her six-year-old son, Alexander. The court proceedings revealed that Zurawska was experiencing a severe psychological crisis at the time of the incident, which ultimately led to her taking her son's life.

According to police reports and court testimonies, Zurawska confessed to officers, saying, 'I've killed my kid with cancer. He almost got through it. I can’t believe it.' This chilling statement was made shortly after the tragic event, which took place on the evening of August 29, 2024. Eyewitnesses described seeing Zurawska standing beside her son, who was lying in a pool of blood with a deep wound to his neck. She was holding what appeared to be a blade or a hand saw, indicating a violent act.

Emergency services responded swiftly, arriving at the scene shortly after 8 pm. Despite their efforts, Alexander was pronounced dead at 9:45 pm. The investigation uncovered that Zurawska was suffering from a profound mental illness, most likely paranoid schizophrenia, which severely impaired her judgment during the incident. Her mental health history included a previous diagnosis of a brain tumour and subsequent chemotherapy treatments, which left her with lasting physical and psychological effects, including the use of a cane for mobility.

During her arrest, Zurawska made multiple confessions. She admitted that she believed she needed to harm her father, Krzysztof Siwi, whom she had also threatened earlier that day with a blade. Mr. Siwi explained that after being assaulted by Zurawska, he fled the family home out of fear. Later, worried about his daughter and grandson, he returned to the house but chose not to notify neighbors or authorities, fearing further violence.

The court heard that Zurawska’s mental state was severely compromised during the incident. Psychiatrists testified that she was under the influence of a demonic force, which compelled her actions. Dr. Mark Janas, a psychiatrist involved in her assessment, confirmed that her capacity to make rational judgments was significantly impaired at the time of the killings.

In her trial, Zurawska was found guilty of manslaughter and attempted murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility. Judge Paul Thomas ordered an indefinite hospital detention, indicating that she might never be deemed fit for release. The judge emphasized her role as a devoted mother and highlighted the tragic consequences of her mental illness, which led her to commit these acts during a psychotic episode. It was noted that Zurawska had no prior convictions or cautions, and her mental health condition was the primary factor influencing her actions during this devastating event.