A priest from Szczytno who was the victim of a brutal assault died in hospital. A 27-year-old man suspected in the case remains in custody.

A 72-years-old Priest Lech Lachowicz was the victim of a brutal assault last Sunday at the rectory of a parish in Szczytno. He was taken to hospital and his condition was described as critical from the start. The suspect, who was arrested on Monday and charged with attempted murder, was taken into custody following a court decision.

Prosecutor Daniel Brodowski said that the detained 27-year-old was first charged with attempted murder of the priest. The charge states that he inflicted several blows with a metal axe on the victim’s head, causing, among other things, a fractured skull bone and swelling of the brain tissue. Minutes after the attack the help was called by the housekeeper.

The priest also suffered an extensive wound on his face. 

“The perpetrator did not achieve his intended objective [initially] due to the prompt provision of assistance,” the indictment said.  

Now the prosecutor awaits a medical opinion as to whether the injuries resulting in the priest’s death were in no doubt inflicted by the perpetrator. The opinion will decide if the attacker will be charged with a qualified murder. 

Source: PAP

Photo: @WaclawJan

Tomasz Modrzejewski