Father admits to stabbing wife in backyard attack as teenage son tried to save her

Long Island, New York:  Ryszard Murawski, 44, faces a sentence of 22 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of his wife, Wioleta Murawski, 38, in their backyard on Long Island.

A Brutal Domestic Tragedy

The fatal incident occurred on January 3, 2024, and was witnessed by the couple’s 15-year-old son, who was also injured while trying to protect his mother. According to a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the tragedy unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when Suffolk County police received a frantic 911 call from the couple’s son. The boy reported that his father had stabbed his mother and fled the scene in a black GMC pickup truck. “The teen, distraught during the call, begged the police for help as he desperately tried to save his mother’s life,” the prosecutor’s office explained.

The Son’s Heroic Attempt to Save His Mother

As the teen returned home from visiting a friend, he heard his mother screaming for help in the backyard. He ran toward the sound and discovered his father viciously attacking her with a large, serrated knife. In a desperate attempt to intervene, the son jumped on his father, struggling with him to protect his mother. The physical altercation briefly allowed Wioleta to break free from her husband’s grasp. She managed to stumble across the street, but collapsed soon after, her son still by her side. Despite her son’s efforts and the swift response from emergency services, Wioleta succumbed to her injuries after being taken to a nearby hospital. The entire attack was captured on the Murawski family’s home surveillance system, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Police Chase and Arrest

After the brutal stabbing, Ryszard Murawski fled the scene in his vehicle. Several police units pursued him for more than seven miles, with lights and sirens activated. The chase only ended when Murawski lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the side of a building. He was apprehended at the scene. Murawski pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is set to return to court on October 17, 2024, where he will face sentencing. He is expected to serve a minimum of 22 years in prison, with the possibility of a life sentence.

A Call to Action Against Domestic Violence

“This is a tragic case of domestic violence that ended with the senseless death of Wioleta Murawski and horrific trauma to their child,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said in a statement. He emphasized the devastating impact of domestic abuse, particularly on children who often witness or experience violence in their homes.

Tierney added, “This defendant will now have to pay for his actions in prison. Domestic violence is never the answer.” He urged anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out to law enforcement or domestic violence resources for help. The case underscores the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its tragic consequences for families, calling attention to the importance of early intervention and support for victims.