Mariusz K., prison ward in Olsztyn, has committed suicide. It may be the fourth death in connection with the case of Krzysztof Olewnik’s death.

34-year-old Mariusz K. hung himself on a tree near Morag on 13 July. He worked in a prison in Olsztyn, northeastern Poland, and was on duty when Wojciech Franiewski, one of the suspects in Krzysztof Olewnik’s case, committed suicide.

Deputy Justice Minister Krzysztof Kwiatkowski announced Monday that no third party was involved in the ward’s death, which proves that it was a suicide, not a murder. Personal issues were probably the motive of Mariusz K.’ suicide, results from his family and colleagues’ testimonies.

However, Mariusz K’s suicide might also be the fourth death related to Krzysztof Olewnik’s case. In 2007, Wojciech Franiewski, who was suspected of masterminding the abduction and murder of Krzysztof Olewnik, committed suicide in his prison cell in Olsztyn. In 2008 and 2009, Slawomir Kosciuk and Robert Pazik, both convicted of killing Krzysztof Olewnik and sentenced to life in prison, committed suicide in their prison cells of jail in Plock.

Krzysztof Olewnik, the son of a wealthy businessman, was abducted in October 2001 for a heavy ransom. In July 2003, they were given 300,000 euro but Krzysztof Olewnik was not released. So far, investigations have concluded that Olewnik was tortured and brutally murdered a month after the kidnappers received the money.

A special parliamentary commission to investigate the abduction and murder of Krzysztof Olewnik has been formed this year following the many mysterious deaths related to the case. (mg)