Jersey father 'killed six over break up'

Julia Frances (left) was killed along with Kinga and Kacpar Rzeszowski. Credit: Police handout

A man killed his wife, his two children, his father-in-law, his wife's friend and his wife's friend's daughter in a brutal knife attack because he could not face the break-up of his marriage, a court in Jersey heard today.

31-year-old Damian Rzeszcowki is accused of murdering six people in St Helier, Jersey on August 14 last year.

The Polish national pleaded guilty to manslaughter through diminished responsibility in April, but the manslaughter pleas were not accepted by the Crown, which argued that the defendant was not suffering an "abnormality of the mind" when the attacks took place. He is accused of murdering six people in a frenzied knife attack .

  • 30-year-old Izabela Rzeszowska (his wife)

  • Five-year-old Kinga Rzeszowska (his daughter)

  • Two-year-old Kacper Rzeszowska (his son)

  • 56-year-old Marek Garstka (his father-in-law)

  • 34-year-old Marta De La Haye (his wife's friend)

  • Five-year-old Julia De La Haye (Mrs De La Haye's daughter)

Kinga Rzeszowska was killed in a knife attack. Credit: Police handout

The Royal Court in St Helier heard today that Rzeszowski's rampage took place against a backdrop of increasing marital difficulties between himself and his wife.

Solicitor General Howard Sharp, for the prosecution, told the presiding judge Sir Michael Birt and two jurats - similar to magistrates in the mainland UK - who are judging the case that Rzeszowski's marriage was "under great strain."

30-year-old Izabela Rzeszowska was killed in a knife attack in her home on August 14 last year Credit: Police handout

According to Rzeszowsk's lawyer, his wife Izabela had admitted to her husband that she had been having a two-month affair and threatened to commit suicide.

After learning of his wife's infidelity, Rzeszowski started to go out drinking, had a one night stand and took an overdose of pills on July 19.

Julia Frances De La Hayes (left) with Kinga Rzeszowski Credit: Police handout

In an attempt to save their marriage, the couple went on holiday to Poland to visit their families. Mr Sharp said:

The knife attack took place in the couple's home in Victoria Crescent, St Helier, on the day they returned from their holiday.

Marek Garstka, father of Izabela Rzeszowska, was killed in a knife attack in his daughter's home. Credit: Police handout

Mr Sharp said his client could not face the prospect of a failed marriage. He told the court:

Marta Dominika De La Haye with her daughter Julia Frances, both killed in the knife attack.

The hearing continues.