Cruel and Unnecessary: Drunken Rage Led to Partner’s Brutal Knife Murder, Court Hears

A woman has been convicted of murdering her partner in a violent altercation fueled by alcohol, with the court describing the killing as a “cruel and unnecessary act.” Joanna Katarzyna Wronska, 52, of Pentre Gwyn, Wrexham, stabbed Marcin Koziol, 40, at their home before washing the weapon in her kitchen sink, leaving forensic evidence that contradicted her claims of innocence.
Following a nine-day trial at Mold Crown Court, a unanimous jury verdict found Wronska guilty of murder. Prosecutors revealed the couple’s relationship was marked by volatility, alcohol dependency, and financial instability, with both banned from a local shop for drunkenness and shoplifting. On the evening of October 23, 2023, emergency services responded to Wronska’s 999 call, where she alleged Koziol had self-inflicted the fatal wound. However, forensic evidence painted a starkly different picture.
Home Office pathologist Dr. Brian Rodgers testified that the 15cm-deep stab wound to Koziol’s chest—which severed ribs, pierced his heart, and collapsed his lung—was “highly unusual” for a self-inflicted injury. Prosecuting barrister Andrew Thomas KC emphasized the “freshly washed” 20cm knife found in the sink, stating it bore “all the hallmarks of a drunken argument turned lethal.”
The court heard harrowing details of the couple’s “chaotic” lifestyle, including testimony from friend Piotr Kielar, who visited the flat hours before the killing. Kielar described finding the pair drunk and naked, later accompanying them to purchase vodka. CCTV footage confirmed a second alcohol run, after which Kielar reported seeing a large knife in the living room before departing.
In a recorded 999 call played to jurors, Wronska repeatedly cried, “My partner dead… please help me now,” before murmuring “gone” as Koziol lost consciousness. Police arriving at the scene noted blood-stained socks and the cleaned knife, which matched the fatal wound’s dimensions. Wronska maintained her innocence, claiming Koziol had a history of self-harm and suicide attempts, and insisting he was the “love of her life.”
Prosecutors countered with testimony from her former partner, Januse Zdunek, who alleged Wronska had stabbed him years earlier, warning he was “lucky she hadn’t stabbed him in his heart.” Judge Rhys Rowlands condemned the killing as alcohol-driven, stating, “I have no doubt drink is at the root of your problems,” while adjourning sentencing until May 19. A life sentence is imminent, with the minimum term under deliberation.
The case highlights broader concerns about domestic violence and substance abuse, with statistics from organizations like the Office for National Statistics underscoring alcohol’s role in approximately 40% of violent crimes in England and Wales. Wronska’s attempt to obscure evidence through washing the knife echoes forensic challenges noted in similar cases, where perpetrators often tamper with crime scenes to mislead investigators.
As the community awaits sentencing, victim advocacy groups stress the need for increased support for households grappling with addiction and instability, noting that volatile relationships exacerbated by substance abuse remain a critical factor in domestic homicides.