Woman Admits Killing Son in Swansea Due to Psychotic Illness

A woman admitted to killing her son. The court heard it was a “terrible incident.” Karolina Zurawska is from Gendros, Swansea. She pled guilty at Swansea Crown Court. She admitted to manslaughter of Alexander Zurawski, age six, but denied a murder charge.

Alexander died at a Gendros property August 29. The 41-year-old also pled guilty through an interpreter to the attempted murder of Krzysztof Siwi, her 67-year-old father. This happened earlier that same day.

Mike Jones KC, appearing for the prosecution, accepted the manslaughter charge. Jones stated experts examined Zurawska. Three psychiatric experts reached the same conclusion: she had a psychotic illness during the incident.

The experts diagnosed paranoid schizophrenia, which Jones KC said explains the killing and satisfies the criteria for manslaughter. The prosecution accepts her plea, citing diminished responsibility as the cause of this crime.

Judge Paul Thomas KC remanded Zurawska in custody. Her sentencing is scheduled for April 25. After Alexander’s death, his family released a statement via South Wales Police. They described Alexander as “very kind.”

Alexander’s family said he always behaved well. He never acted naughty or badly and was considered clever and mature for his age. He also understood facts and ideas well.

Alexander helped with cooking and cleaning. He spoke both English and Polish fluently; he would even correct his parents’ English when they said words wrong. They described him as simply amazing.

Alexander’s family thanked the emergency services that responded to the incident. Bethan Peterson, headteacher at Whitestone Primary School, and the school staff expressed their devastation, learning of Alexander’s death with great sadness.

Peterson said Alexander was a delightful and determined boy. His tenacity and positive outlook helped him succeed in anything he undertook. Everyone loved and supported him at school. He will be sadly missed.