Slawomir Tumilowicz, aged 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after strangling his partner Rafal Duszyca to death in their home in Solihull, West Midlands. Tumilowicz used a “Kung Fu chokehold” he had learned from a movie to subdue his partner during a drunken argument. This was not the first time he had used such a manoeuvre on Mr. Duszyca, as a previous incident had resulted in the victim texting him, “You almost killed me.” The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of July 1, 2022, following a history of heated arguments between the couple, often fueled by alcohol.
The court heard that Tumilowicz delayed calling emergency services for 24 minutes after the fatal strangulation. Paramedics arrived to find Mr. Duszyca dead and noted signs of asphyxia and coronary heart disease. Tumilowicz initially gave conflicting accounts of the events leading up to the death, denying there was a fight and later claiming his partner had fainted after a heated argument. However, a pathologist concluded that at least 15 to 30 seconds of pressure or even minutes of sustained pressure must have been applied to cause the victim’s death. Tumilowicz eventually admitted to using a chokehold similar to one he had seen in a Kung Fu movie.
The sentencing of Tumilowicz took place at Birmingham Crown Court, where Judge Francis Laird KC described the relationship between the two men as “volatile.” Tumilowicz was sentenced to nine years in prison for the manslaughter of Rafal Duszyca. The judge highlighted the high risk involved in using a chokehold, where significant pressure is applied to the neck for a prolonged period. The court also heard about a previous incident where the defendant had used a similar maneuver, indicating a pattern of dangerous behavior towards his partner.
The tragic death of Rafal Duszyca at the hands of his partner, Slawomir Tumilowicz, shocked the community in Solihull, West Midlands. The court proceedings revealed the violent nature of the couple’s relationship, with frequent arguments and alcohol consumption leading to deadly consequences. The delayed emergency response and conflicting accounts provided by Tumilowicz raised questions about his intentions and level of remorse. Despite completing qualifications in custody, the defendant was handed a lengthy prison sentence, emphasizing the severity of his actions on that fateful night in July 2022.
In a separate incident, a killer who had evaded capture for 26 years was finally brought to justice by his ex-husband, who collaborated with investigators to obtain a confession. The case underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the community in solving cold cases and bringing closure to families of victims. The successful resolution of this long-standing case highlighted the role of persistence and determination in seeking justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. Such cases serve as a reminder of the dedication and hard work of those involved in pursuing justice and ensuring that criminals do not escape the consequences of their crimes.
The tragic story of Rafal Duszyca’s death at the hands of his partner Slawomir Tumilowicz sheds light on the devastating impact of domestic violence and abusive relationships. The court’s decision to sentence Tumilowicz to nine years in prison reflects the severity of his actions and the need to address issues of violence and aggression within intimate partnerships. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger and aggression, as well as the importance of seeking help and intervention in abusive situations. It also underscores the importance of accountability and justice in preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in vulnerable situations.
