Former priest faces trial for murder of homeless acquaintance

The District Court in Radom will begin the trial of a former parish priest, Mirosław M., on October 7. He is accused of murdering Anatol C., a homeless man with whom he had known for over 25 years.

The motive for the crime appears to be a dispute over a real estate donation. Years prior, Anatol C. had gifted land to the priest in exchange for a promise of lifelong care and housing. Investigators state that the priest failed to fulfill this obligation, leading to an escalation of conflict.

According to the investigation, the murder occurred in July 2025 following an argument in a vehicle. The defendant allegedly stopped the car, used an axe from the trunk to strike the victim in the head, and then doused him in gasoline and set him on fire. Prosecutors have charged the priest with murder with special cruelty, noting that the victim was still alive when he was set ablaze.

Mirosław M. also faces additional charges for a failed attempt to kill the same man three weeks prior to the fatal incident. Although the defendant has expressed remorse and admitted to the crime, psychiatric evaluations have deemed him fully sane and capable of standing trial. He faces a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison.