An 11-year-old girl has died in Jelenia Góra, southwestern Poland, in an apparent murder, with a 12-year-old student from the same primary school taken into custody, authorities say.
Jelenia Góra, southwestern Poland. Police near the scene where an 11-year-old girl was killed. A 12-year-old girl from the same primary school as the victim has been detained on suspicion of murder.Photo: PAP/Wojciech Kamiński
The body of the victim was discovered on 15 December just behind the playground of the school both girls attended, near a small local stream.
She suffered stab wounds, and police recovered a knife believed to have been used.
Emergency responders who arrived at the scene found the girl already deceased.
Child kills child in shocking school tragedy
The 12-year-old suspect, from the same school, has been detained on suspicion of murder.
Under Polish law, she cannot be questioned by police or prosecutors – only a court may conduct such an interrogation.
According to the latest information, the court has now granted permission for the girl to be questioned.
Police have completed the invterview, and the next steps in the case will be taken by the family court. The autopsy was conducted by the Department of Forensic Medicine at Wrocław Medical University.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack.
Paweł Domagała, headteacher of the school, described the victim as an exemplary student who actively participated in volunteer work, sports competitions, and academic contests.
“The school community has suffered an immense loss. She was well known to both teachers and peers. A cheerful and open child, she excelled in her studies and eagerly engaged in school initiatives,” Domagała said at a press conference.
Support offered to students and families
Psychological support has been made available to the victim’s family, staff, and fellow students at Primary School No. 10 in the city.
Other schools in Jelenia Góra will host sessions with psychologists before the Christmas break on 22 and 23 December, and a dedicated counselling hotline has been activated.
Parents of the 12-year-old suspect are also receiving psychological assistance.
The interior ministry confirmed that 16 specialists had been deployed to the facility to provide mental health support.
City mourns as student safety reforms considered
Jelenia Góra’s mayor, Jerzy Łużniak, declared a period of mourning and called on residents to cancel or postpone upcoming cultural, sporting, and entertainment events, urging the community to observe the tragedy with respect.
Education Minister Barbara Nowacka praised the school for its swift response to the crisis and confirmed that revisions to health and safety regulations are being considered to better protect students.
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Source: IAR/PAP/MSWiA/Polish Radio English Section/Miasto Jelenia Góra/X/@MateuszCzmiel