SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — Ryszard Murawski, 44, of Lindenhurst, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his wife, Wioleta Murawski, in their backyard earlier this year, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Tuesday. Murawski faces a sentence of 22 years to life in prison.
“This is a tragic case of domestic violence that ended with the senseless death of Wioleta Murawski and horrific trauma to their child,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This defendant will now have to pay for his actions in prison. Domestic violence is never the answer.”
According to court documents and Murawski’s own admissions, the incident occurred on January 3, 2024, at approximately 8:33 p.m. The couple’s 15-year-old son called 911 after witnessing his father attack his mother with a large, serrated knife. The boy, distraught during the call, attempted to save his mother’s life while waiting for emergency responders. He had returned home from a friend’s house when he heard his mother screaming for help in the backyard. Rushing outside, he saw his father stabbing his mother.
The boy intervened, struggling with his father until his mother was able to break free. Wioleta Murawski managed to stumble across the street before collapsing. She was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Murawski fled the scene in a black GMC pickup truck. A police chase ensued when officers attempted to stop him. The pursuit lasted for more than seven miles before Murawski crashed his vehicle into a building. The attack was captured on the family’s home surveillance system.
Murawski pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, a Class A felony, before Judge Karen M. Wilutis on September 17, 2024. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17, 2024. Murawski is being represented by attorney Lindsay Henry.
District Attorney Tierney urged anyone in an abusive relationship to seek help from local partner agencies or call 911 in an emergency.
