Former Police Officer Dariusz Równicki Arrested After Mierzawa Murder

On 19 June 2026 a violent attack took place in the village of Mierzawa, Świętokrzyskie Province, Poland. Former police officer Dariusz Równicki, 49, used a knife to kill his 80‑year‑old father‑in‑law and seriously wound his 76‑year‑old mother‑in‑law. The victim’s wife survived in critical condition.

A large‑scale manhunt was launched. More than 300 police officers from several voivodeships, supported by helicopters, drones, thermal‑vision equipment, dogs and specialised vehicles, searched the heavily forested area of Jędrzejów County. A nationwide arrest warrant and a public photograph of the suspect were issued. After four days of intensive searching, officers located Równicki near his home on 22 June. He was unarmed, exhausted, and was taken into police custody, received medical care and is being held in a detention centre.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Jędrzejów has filed charges of murder and attempted murder. If convicted, Równicki faces up to a life sentence. The investigation continues to determine the full circumstances of the family‑homicide.