Friday, August 24, 2012

Dad found guilty of "manslaughter" in deaths of two children, their mother, three others (United Kingdom)

Let's see. You stab to death five people, but it's just manslaughter? What the hell? If you read carefully, this was standard "avenging" slaughter by a father who felt "abandoned" by his wife's plan to leave him.

Once again, the judidicary goes easy on a daddy killer who "only" killed his own family, at least for the most part.

The Killer Dad is identified as DAMIAN RZESZOWSKI.

http://www.citytalk.fm/news/uk-and-world/20120824-father-guilty-of-manslaughter-of-family/

Jersey Father Guilty Of Family's Manslaughter

Posted on 8/24/2012

A father who repeatedly stabbed his young children to death along with their mother, another child and two other people has been found guilty of their manslaughter.

Damian Rzeszowski, 31, used two kitchen knives in a series of unprovoked and brutal attacks to kill his wife Izabela Rzeszowska, 30, their daughter Kinga, five, and their son Kacper, two, at the family home in St Helier, Jersey, on August 14, 2011.

He also killed his father-in-law Marek Garstka, 56, his wife's friend, Marta De La Haye, 34, and her five-year-old daughter Julia. T

The Polish national claimed that at the time he was suffering from an "abnormality of the mind" and was experiencing psychotic auditory hallucinations.

Defence advocate Julian Gollop had argued Rzeszowski's actions were "substantially impaired" by his severe depression which was causing "psychiatric symptoms".

Mr Gollop told the court that therefore Rzeszowski was not a murderer, but should be found guilty, instead, of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

During his two-week trial at The Royal Court in St Helier it emerged that the builder had been upset by the breakdown of his marriage, in particular his wife's recent confession of infidelity.

Solicitor General Howard Sharp QC, for the prosecution, said Rzeszowski "could not face the prospect of a failed marriage" and took the view that "if the family cannot go on as it is it better not go on at all".

Wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, Rzeszowski showed no emotion in the dock as the presiding judge, Sir Michael Birt, read out the verdicts that two jurats - similar to magistrates in the UK - had reached.

Throughout the trial, the defendant had constantly stared down at the floor, not looking up at any time.

The husband of Marta and father of Julia released a statement after the verdict.

Craig De La Haye said: "My life, and the lives of many families, have been devastated. Every day is a struggle to continue, and yet it still feels like yesterday that it happened.

"My beautiful wife Marta and wonderful daughter Julia, friends Kinga, Kacper, Isa and Marek, you will never be forgotten.

"Not a day goes past when I donâ t think about my family. I hope that one day I will see you again, until thenâ ¦ I love you."

Speaking outside the court, Detective Superintendent Stewart Gull said: "Today is not a day for vindication or celebration, but sad reflection.

"The events of August 14 2011 have left a very sad, indelible mark on Jerseyâ s history."

Judge Birt, who is the Bailiff of Jersey, said Rzeszowski would be sentenced on October 29.