Michał S. arrested for 2011 murder of 13‑year‑old Iza in Gdynia

In July 2026 Polish police announced the arrest of 37‑year‑old Michał S., identified as the perpetrator of the 2011 rape and murder of 13‑year‑old Iza Strzałkowska in Gdynia. The breakthrough came after investigators used modern genetic‑genealogy techniques, matching DNA from the crime scene with profiles in public ancestry databases. The suspect was detained on 21 July 2026 in Gdynia and placed in a three‑month pre‑trial detention.

The case, which remained unsolved for 15 years, drew extensive media attention across Poland. Police statements highlighted that DNA evidence, coupled with traditional investigation, led to the capture. A criminal profiler noted the violent nature of the crime and the suspect’s attempts to conceal his past, while the victim’s mother recounted her earlier suspicions about the killer. The arrest has triggered public discussion about cold‑case resolutions and the use of genealogical databases in law enforcement.