Courts / Sligo / Report
Friend felt murder accused was 'mentally devastated' and suicidal
Summary
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Rafal Karaczyn, 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, continued. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 30-year-old wife, Natalia Karaczyn, but guilty to her manslaughter at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. Witness Piotr Korsak, a friend of the accused, testified that he perceived Karaczyn as "mentally devastated," "depressed," and potentially suicidal in the months preceding the death. Korsak stated he offered Karaczyn a place to stay to help him "stay away from trouble," though Karaczyn declined until after his son's First Holy Communion. Korsak denied observing violence and expressed shock upon learning of the death. The court also heard new translations of Karaczyn's eighth Garda interview, where he admitted strangling his wife. The prosecution clarified that his statement about being "under big stress" translates from Polish to "uncontrolled," "in a rage," or similar to "amok." Additionally, his remark "I don't know what was with me this time" was translated as "I don't know what got inside me." Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the proceedings, directing the jury to return the following day at 11am to hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Friend felt murder accused was 'mentally devastated' and suicidal. Charges or matters: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th, 2018 and May 1st, 2018. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- April 29th, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 1st, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017 and 2018 Other
- New Year's Eve Other
- 2020-03-11 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their family home in Crozon Park between April 29th, 2018 and May 1st, 2018 (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
Topics
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