Latest news with #Zurawska
Indian Express
01-05-2025
- Indian Express
UK woman who killed son with handsaw gets hospital order, court says it was severe psychotic episode
A UK woman who killed her six-year-old son with a handsaw and attempted to murder her father has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order after a court found she was suffering from a psychotic illness at the time of the attack. Karolina Zurawska, 35, was found kneeling beside the lifeless body of her son, Alexander Zurawski, in their Swansea home, UK, on August 29 last year. A handsaw lay next to her as paramedics arrived, responding to what neighbours described as 'animal screams' coming from inside the property. According to Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said: 'First to arrive on the scene were paramedics who discovered Alexander's lifeless body in a pool of blood in the entrance hallway. The defendant was kneeling next to his body with a handsaw at her side.' Alexander, who had been partially sighted and reliant on a cane after battling a brain tumour, was pronounced dead at the scene. Despite his medical history, the child had reportedly been making a recovery. 'How do you tell him I cut my son's head off?' After her arrest, Zurawska asked the police: 'How do you tell him I cut my son's head off?'—referring to Alexander's father. She also reportedly told officers: 'I killed my kid with cancer. He almost got through it.' Later that same day, Zurawska attacked her own father, Krzysztof Siwi, with a knife, saying: 'I'm sorry I have to kill you today.' However, he survived the attack. Three psychiatric experts concluded she had been experiencing a severe psychotic episode at the time, leading the prosecution to accept the lesser manslaughter charge. 'You are not a wicked mother, far from it' Sentencing her at Swansea Crown Court on Friday, Judge Paul Thomas KC acknowledged the immense psychological strain Zurawska had been under as a single mother to a child with disability and a full-time career. 'The often-overused word 'tragic' does not begin to reflect the awfulness of what happened that day to Alex,' the judge said, as reported by 'Those that know you and know of your relationship with Alexander have described you as a devoted, loving, caring mother. Your father described you as 'the best'.' Judge Thomas added that there was 'strong and compelling evidence' that Zurawska's actions were entirely out of character and the result of a severe psychotic break. 'You were suffering from the delusion of hearing voices… You believed that you were being instructed by a demonic force,' he said. 'You are not a wicked mother, far from it.' Zurawska has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act, meaning she will remain detained in a secure psychiatric facility until medical experts deem her safe for release.
Metro
25-04-2025
- Metro
Neighbour's heard 'animal screams' as mum cut six-year-old son's throat with saw
A mum who cut her son's throat with a saw and tried to stab her own father to death has been detained indefinitely. Six-year-old Alexander Zurawski was found lying in a pool of blood at home in Swansea with his mother Karolina Zurawska kneeling next to him with a handsaw at her side last August 29. She also lashed out at her dad Krzysztof Siwi with a knife, telling him: 'I'm sorry I have to kill you today.' After being arrested, Polish-born Zurawska asked if Alexander's dad had been told of his death, saying: 'How do you tell him I cut my son's head off?' She also said: 'I killed my kid with cancer. He almost got through it.' Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said neighbours called emergency services after hearing 'animal screams' from inside the house and finding Alexander dead inside. He said: 'First to arrive on the scene were paramedics who discovered Alexander's lifeless body in a pool of blood in the entrance hallway. 'The defendant was kneeling next to his body with a handsaw at her side. A substantial injury to Alexander's neck was immediately observed and despite the efforts of the paramedics his life was pronounced extinct at the scene.' The court heard Zurawska had previously been the 'best mother' to her son, who was recovering from a brain tumour which left him partially sighted and requiring a cane to walk. She pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility in March but denied murder. She also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of her father, Krzysztof Siwi, earlier the same day. The manslaughter charge was accepted by the prosecution, with three psychiatric experts concluding Zurawska had been suffering from a psychotic illness at the time. Judge Paul Thomas KC sentenced Zurawska to an indefinite hospital order at Swansea Crown Court on Friday. Sentencing her, he said: 'The often-overused word 'tragic' does not begin to reflect the awfulness of what happened that day to Alex. 'Those that know you and know of your relationship with Alexander have described you as a devoted, loving, caring mother. Your father described you as 'the best'. 'Your relationship with Alexander was a warm and loving one on both sides. You adored each other, and he trusted you. 'Unfortunately, from birth, Alexander had major medical problems, in particular a brain tumour, which had its own complications, which had a huge impact on his life. 'You devoted yourself to being his carer, to provide him with everything he needed and did so effectively as a single parent for the most part. 'The stresses on you must have been enormous.' He said there was 'strong and compelling evidence' that she was acting in an 'uncharacteristic manner', but no one could have foreseen what would happen before that day. The judge said she had hugged her father, told him she loved him, before 'launching three attacks on him', intending to kill him. More Trending 'The unanimous view of three psychiatrists is that you were at the time in the grip of a psychotic episode,' he said. 'It affected your mental state so greatly that you were unable to understand what you were doing. 'You were suffering from the delusion of hearing voices, you believe that you were being instructed by a demonic force. 'You are not a wicked mother, far from it.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Woman killed man in racist attack after asking to be sent to hospital MORE: Luigi Mangione dons new look pleading not guilty to murdering healthcare CEO in federal court MORE: University lecturer reported ex to police six times before he murdered her
ITV News
25-04-2025
- ITV News
Mother given hospital order after killing six-year-old son with handsaw
A mother who killed her 6-year-old son in Swansea with a handsaw has been sentenced to a indefinite hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act of 1983. Karolina Zurawska, 42, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Alexander Zurawski on the grounds of diminished responsibility, when she killed him at their home on Cwm Du Close in August last year. Ms Zurawska was also sentenced for the attempted murder of her father, Krzysztof Siwy Today, a court heard how Ms Zurawska attempted to stab her father on three separate occasions on the day she killed Alexander. When Mr Siwy visited his daughter on the morning of Alexander's death, he described his daughter as mumbling and absent. In a witness statement read to the court, Mr Siwy described how his daughter reached for a knife and told him, 'Dad, I must kill you' before slashing him in the neck. Krzysztof Siwy managed to restrain his daughter but could not remove Alexander from the family home. Despite calling family members in Poland to raise concerns about Ms Zurawska's behaviour, Mr Siwy failed to call the police. At 8:30 pm on the 28th of August 2024, neighbours found Ms Zurawska kneeling beside Alexander with a handsaw at her side. Witnesses described seeing Alexander lying in the hallway of his home, after screams were heard coming from the family home. Paramedics worked to save Alexander, but he was declared dead at the scene. Swansea Crown Court heard, Ms Zurawska was described as suffering from Paranoid Schizophrenia, which substantially impacted her ability to understand what she was doing. In an impact statement read to the court, Krzysztof Siwy said, "Why did this happen? I was able to defend myself, but I was unable to defend Alexander." "I was unable to think logically and rationally. If I had called the police, this strategy would not have happened. I will have to carry this burden for the rest of my life. My life is no longer as it used to be." "I love my daughter, and I do not blame her for what happened. I need to be able to support Karolina, but I don't know what the future holds for me." Judge Paul Thomas QC said, "The often overused word of tragic does not begin to reflect the awfulness that happened that day to Alexander. Those who know you and your relationship with Alexander have described you as a doting, loving, caring mother." "You are not a wicked mother, far from it - you are a mother whose mental state deteriorated over your care of Alexander. You did something to Alexander that would never have entered your mind had it not been for your mental state." "I entirely agree with the three psychiatrists that this is a case that calls not for punishment but for ongoing lifelong medical help. Even if you do recover mentally, the burden of what happened will always be with you." "I also have a duty to the wider public. I must ensure that you are only released back to society if and when there is no risk to anyone else, that day, of course, many never come." "I can not end without mentioning Alexander. His brief life was one of bravery, battling health issues. It was a life filled with love given and received, and for those who knew him, he will never be forgotten, and they will never stop loving him." In a statement released after his death Alexander's family described him as a "very kind child". They said: "Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had a great understanding of facts. "Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning. Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong. He was amazing." Alexander attended Whitestone Primary School. Headteacher Bethan Peterson said: "Alexander was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him."He is sadly missed by us all. As a school we are working to create a sensory garden in his memory, that will provide a calming and reflective area that further promotes the well-being of our learners."
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Mum killed disabled son, 6, by slitting his throat as neighbours heard ‘animal screams' coming from house of horrors
Tragic youngster found in pool of blood at family home 'DEMONIC RAGE' Mum killed disabled son, 6, by slitting his throat as neighbours heard 'animal screams' coming from house of horrors Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MUM has been locked up for killing her six-year-old son by slashing his throat and trying to murder her own dad on the same day. Little Alexander Zurawski was found dead in a pool of blood at the family home in Swansea after the brutal attack by Karolina Zurawska. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Alexander was found in a pool of blood at home Credit: Athena The 42-year-old then slashed at her dad Krzysztof Siwi with a knife, chillingly telling him: "I'm sorry I have to kill you today." After she was arrested, Zurawska asked if Alexander's dad had been told about his death. The killer mum asked: "How do you tell him I cut my son's head off?" She later added: "I killed my kid with cancer. He almost got through it." Zurawska has now been locked up indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after pleading guilty to manslaughter and attempted murder. Swansea Crown Court was told three psychiatrists concluded that she was suffering from a psychotic illness, paranoid schizophrenia, at the time of the horror. The horror unfolded on August 29 last year after the mum flew into a "demonic rage". Emergency crews were scrambled to the home after neighbours heard "animal screams" compared to a fox and cat fighting. They discovered Alexander dead inside and Zurawska kneeling by his body with a handsaw at her side. A pathologist found the injury to Alexander's neck was "caused by an irregular sharp force injury consistent with a sharp-toothed blade." Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said: "It is the prosecution's case that Alexander was alive when the defendant first started to cut his neck with that handsaw." The court was told CCTV at the home had captured the youngster screaming "at the beginning of and during his killing". Alexander had previously been diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery and chemotherapy but was due to return to his primary school after the summer holiday. He suffered complications from the op - including a loss of much of his sight and had to walk with a cane. Zurawska had attempted to slash her father with a knife on three occasions but he was able to disarm her and defend himself. He said he did not call police because he "never thought" she would attack her "beloved son." In a victim impact statement, he added: "I was able to defend myself against Karolina's attacks but I was unable to defend Alexander because I never thought that a loving mother would cause harm to her beloved child. "After Karolina had assaulted me I was unable to think logically and rationally. "If I had called the police at that time this tragedy may never have happened and I blame myself a lot and have to carry this burden for the rest of my life." Judge Paul Thomas KC handed Zurawska an indefinite hospital order that means she may only be released if doctor's believe she no longer poses a threat. Sentencing, he said: "The often overused word tragic does not begin to adequately reflect the of what happened that day. "Those who know you and know your relationship with Alexander describe you as a devoted, loving and caring mother. "You are not a wicked mother, far from it. You are a lady whose mental state deteriorated, I suspect under the overwhelming weight of your care and concern for Alexander to an extent you uncontrollably did something which would never have entered your mind had it not been for the severe mental illness that overwhelmed you at that time." Following his tragic death, Alexander's family described him as "a very kind child" in a poignant tribute. They said: "He loved playing with his little sister and playing with his dog, Daisy. "Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts. "Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning. "Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong. He was amazing." Bethan Peterson, headteacher of Whitestone Primary School, added: "We're devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. "Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook. "He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. 'Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff and all those within our school community who are affected." 3 Alexander Zurawski was killed by his mum at home Credit: WNS
The Sun
25-04-2025
- The Sun
Mum killed disabled son, 6, by slitting his throat as neighbours heard ‘animal screams' coming from house of horrors
A MUM has been locked up for killing her six-year-old son by slashing his throat and trying to murder her own dad on the same day. Little Alexander Zurawski was found dead in a pool of blood at the family home in Swansea after the brutal attack by Karolina Zurawska. 3 The 42-year-old then slashed at her dad Krzysztof Siwi with a knife, chillingly telling him: "I'm sorry I have to kill you today." After she was arrested, Zurawska asked if Alexander's dad had been told about his death. The killer mum asked: "How do you tell him I cut my son's head off?" She later added: "I killed my kid with cancer. He almost got through it." Zurawska has now been locked up indefinitely under the Mental Health Act after pleading guilty to manslaughter and attempted murder. Swansea Crown Court was told three psychiatrists concluded that she was suffering from a psychotic illness, paranoid schizophrenia, at the time of the horror. The horror unfolded on August 29 last year after the mum flew into a "demonic rage". Emergency crews were scrambled to the home after neighbours heard "animal screams" compared to a fox and cat fighting. They discovered Alexander dead inside and Zurawska kneeling by his body with a handsaw at her side. A pathologist found the injury to Alexander's neck was "caused by an irregular sharp force injury consistent with a sharp-toothed blade." Prosecutor Michael Jones KC said: "It is the prosecution's case that Alexander was alive when the defendant first started to cut his neck with that handsaw." The court was told CCTV at the home had captured the youngster screaming "at the beginning of and during his killing". Alexander had previously been diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent surgery and chemotherapy but was due to return to his primary school after the summer holiday. He suffered complications from the op - including a loss of much of his sight and had to walk with a cane. Zurawska had attempted to slash her father with a knife on three occasions but he was able to disarm her and defend himself. He said he did not call police because he "never thought" she would attack her "beloved son." In a victim impact statement, he added: "I was able to defend myself against Karolina's attacks but I was unable to defend Alexander because I never thought that a loving mother would cause harm to her beloved child. "After Karolina had assaulted me I was unable to think logically and rationally. "If I had called the police at that time this tragedy may never have happened and I blame myself a lot and have to carry this burden for the rest of my life." Judge Paul Thomas KC handed Zurawska an indefinite hospital order that means she may only be released if doctor's believe she no longer poses a threat. Sentencing, he said: "The often overused word tragic does not begin to adequately reflect the of what happened that day. "Those who know you and know your relationship with Alexander describe you as a devoted, loving and caring mother. "You are not a wicked mother, far from it. You are a lady whose mental state deteriorated, I suspect under the overwhelming weight of your care and concern for Alexander to an extent you uncontrollably did something which would never have entered your mind had it not been for the severe mental illness that overwhelmed you at that time." Following his tragic death, Alexander's family described him as "a very kind child" in a poignant tribute. They said: "He loved playing with his little sister and playing with his dog, Daisy. "Alexander was always well-behaved and never naughty. He was very clever and very mature for his age. He had great understanding of facts. "Alexander was always helpful, always eager to assist with cooking and cleaning. "Alexander spoke both English and Polish and would often correct his parents with their English if they got words wrong. He was amazing." Bethan Peterson, headteacher of Whitestone Primary School, added: "We're devastated to learn of the tragic death of Alexander. "Alexander was a delightful, determined little boy whose tenacity and positive demeanour ensured his success in all he undertook. "He was an extremely loved and popular boy amongst his peers, staff and with all who knew him. He will be sadly missed. 'Appropriate support will be made available to children, staff and all those within our school community who are affected." 3 3
