A heartbreaking case has left a community reeling after Karolina Zurawska, a 42-year-old mother from Swansea, killed her six-year-old son Alexander while under the grip of a psychotic episode. Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, Zurawska believed she was being controlled by a “demonic force” when the tragedy occurred. She has since admitted to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, as well as the attempted murder of her father. A judge has now imposed an indefinite hospital order, recognizing the extreme mental illness that drove the incident.
Who Was Karolina Zurawska?
Karolina Zurawska was described as a devoted mother and caring daughter, known in her community as a kind and attentive woman. But beneath the surface, she had been battling worsening mental health, including diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia — a severe condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and deep-seated fear of perceived threats.
For years, she appeared to manage her symptoms, especially as she cared for her young son, Alexander, who was himself recovering from a brain tumour. Neighbours and friends described her as “the best mum” and noted her resilience during Alexander’s health battles. However, the court heard that her condition had deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to the incident.
The Day of the Tragedy
On August 29, 2024, at the family’s home on Cwm Du Close, Gendros, tragedy struck. Authorities were called after reports of a disturbance. Upon arrival, emergency services discovered the horrifying scene: Alexander Zurawski had been fatally injured, and his grandfather, 67-year-old Krzysztof Siwy, had sustained serious wounds from an attempted murder.
Police later revealed that Karolina, experiencing a delusional episode, believed she was being “instructed by a demonic force” to carry out the attack. This psychotic break led to an unthinkable outcome — the death of an innocent child and the near-loss of another family member.
The Victim: Alexander Zurawski
Alexander was a brave young boy who had already faced more than most children his age. Diagnosed with a brain tumour at an early age, he had undergone treatments that left him partially sighted and requiring a cane to walk.
Despite these challenges, Alexander thrived at Whitestone Primary School, where teachers and classmates remembered him as cheerful, determined, and full of life. His death shocked the school community, prompting vigils and memorials in his honor.
“He was one of the most courageous children I’ve ever met,” said a teacher. “His resilience inspired us all.”
The Attempted Murder of Krzysztof Siwy
Alongside the tragic killing of Alexander, the court heard that Karolina also attempted to kill her father, Krzysztof Siwy, during the same delusional episode. He survived the attack, although he was seriously injured. His recovery has been both physical and emotional, as he grapples with the unimaginable trauma of losing his grandson and being attacked by his own daughter.
In court, Krzysztof did not express anger but sorrow, saying he believes his daughter “was not herself” and “needs help, not punishment.”
