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Feb. 16, 2023

S08E07 | Damian Rzeszowski | The Murders of Marek Gartska, Izabela, Kinga & Kacper Rzeszowski and Marta & Julia de la Haye

I tell the story of Damian Rzeszowski and his family in this episode.

 

On August 14, 2011, Damian and his wife Izabela returned from a couple's trip to their native Poland. Later that day, the family planned on hosting a barbecue.

 

After being berated by Izabela for leaving the kids alone in the house whilst she went to collect her friend, Damian snapped.

 

He grabbed two kitchen knives and, within the space of 15 minutes, murdered Izabela, Marek Gartska, his father-in-law, Kinga and Kacper, his two children, and Marta and Julia de la Haye, Izabela's friend and her daughter.

 

Damian then turned the knife on himself but survived his self-inflicted injuries.

 

Judge Michael Birt handed Damian six concurrent 30-year sentences on October 29, 2012, after he was found guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

 

Damian Rzeszowski took his own life at HMP Full Sutton on March 31, 2018.

 

Intro music:⁣

David John Brady - 'Throw Down the Gauntlet'⁣

https://linktr.ee/davidjohnbradymusic⁣

 

References:⁣

Damian Rzeszowski: Jersey father cleared of murdering family. (2012, August 24). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19361618

Damian Rzeszowski killed wife and children in Jersey “after wife’s affair.”(2012, August 13). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19210360

Families of Jersey killing victims are “devastated.”(2012, August 24). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19370237

Jersey stabbings: Damian Rzeszowski sentenced to 30 years. (2012, October 29). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-20123158

Killer of six including his children “not lying about voices.”(2012, August 17). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19260497

Killer ‘was found hanged in suspected prison suicide’ inques hears inquest. (2018, April 21). Jersey Evening Post. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.jerseyeveningpost.com/uncategorised/2018/04/21/killer-was-found-hanged-in-suspected-prison-suicide-inques-hears-inquest/

Martin, A., & Fagge, N. (2011, August 17). “Killer father” had lost his life savings: Failed property deal “was the final straw.”Mail Online. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2026836/Damian-Rzeszowski-Jersey-stabbing-murder-suspects-lost-savings-final-straw.html

Morris, S. (2012, August 13). Jersey murder trial begins: Damian Rzeszowski accused of killing six. The Guardian. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/aug/13/jersey-murder-trial-damian-rzeszowski

Morrison, R. (2012, August 24). Damian Rzeszowski killings: Crimes that shocked Jersey. BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19361615

Polish builder who killed six sentenced to 30 years in jail. (2012, October 29). The Guardian. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/oct/29/damian-rzeszowski-jersey-stabbings-jailed

Polish father found guilty of manslaughter in Jersey family killings. (2012, August 24). ITV News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.itv.com/news/2012-08-24/polish-father-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-in-jersey-family-killing

Preece, R. (2012, August 15). Father who stabbed his children, wife and three others to death “had one-night-stand and visited prostitute in days before killing spree.”Mail Online. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2188257/Damian-Rzeszowski-trial-Defendant-night-stand-visited-prostitute-days-killing-spree.html

Real Crime. (2022, January 7). Fathers Who Kill: The Jersey Slayings (True Crime Documentary) | Real Crime[Video]. YouTube. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkyP4WH9jfg

Special mass to remember Jersey stabbing victims. (2012, August 8). BBC News. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-jersey-19177761

Stoklosa, M. (2011, August 16). Murder in Jersey: new facts. Gazeta Krakowska. Retrieved February 9, 2023, from https://gazetakrakowska.pl/morderstwo-na-jersey-nowe-fakty/ar/439674