Lukasz Czapla: Father killed his 2-year-old son to ‘revenge’ his ex-girlfriend

The heartbroken mother of the boy who was murdered by his father for “revenge” has vowed to fight to ensure he never leaves prison.

Lukasz Czapla, 41, has been jailed for life with a minimum of 23 years after being found guilty of murdering his son Julius Czapla in Edinburgh, in November 2020.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard it was an act of “revenge and jealousy” to “get back” his ex-partner.

After discovering the youngster’s mother was in a new relationship, Czapla shot her son with a BB gun in the head, stabbed him with a spear-like device and strangled him with a pillow.

In a statement released through Police Scotland following the conviction of Patrycja Szczesniak, Julius’ mother spoke of her devastation over her son’s death and described him as a “happy child”. :

She said, “I just want the best for you. If only I could turn back time to have you again in my arms.

“Despite breaking up with Juliusz’s father, I still want him to be in contact with our son. I never stopped him from seeing Juliusz. Julek loves him like any child loves their father. I trust you, I trust you completely.

“Juliusz was murdered just for revenge. His father wanted me to suffer, he succeeded and achieved his goal, at the cost of my beloved boy’s life.

“If only I knew what would happen. I would never have thought he could do this to my baby.

“He was only two and a half years old.

“Every day I think about Juliusz. I can’t imagine how his small, helpless heart must have felt that night, and I feel his fear and pain every day. He is part of me, part of my heart and soul.

“I wish I could hug him, play with him and watch him grow.

“Every day I ask myself why in the world there is so much evil, why should innocent people suffer.

“He took not only Juliusz’s life, but mine as well.

“That day, the world stopped, not only for me but also for my mother and my sister.”

The heartbroken mother went on to say she wanted to fight to make sure Czapla was never released.

She said: “Juliusz was a very happy child. He lights up the place wherever he appears. He could put a smile on anyone’s face and was always looking forward to calling his Grandma and Aunt.

“Our hearts are broken because we can no longer hold his hand and guide him through life. To see him enjoy cycling and eating his favorite ice cream. Listen to his chuckles and be amazed by the things he learns every day.

“We want to trust the justice system and that justice will be done, even though I know no sentence can bring my angel back to life.

“Czapla should have no defense and we will fight to make sure that monster never leaves prison.

“My suffering and my pain will stay with me for the rest of my life. But the unconditional love I have for my children; Juliusz my dearest child will never end.

“Family, friends and I will miss him dearly and we will have to endure his loss for the rest of the day.

“Juliuszek left us with the best memories that will forever be in our hearts.”

Former IT technician Czapla offered to plead guilty to top murder, claiming relief, but prosecutors rejected his plea and pursued the murder charge.

A two-week hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh ended with the jury unanimously finding Czapla guilty of murder. behind without a father – as he had been.

After shooting him in the head with an air gun, Czapla realized the toddler was still alive but paralyzed, and proceeded to stab and kill him.

He had previously told the court: “I don’t want him to suffer at all, that was not my intention.

“I had a stupid idea from TV that people would die instantly.”

Alan Cameron, the prosecutor, told the jury that Czapla’s anger and jealousy towards Ms Szczesniak was what motivated him to kill Julius.

Judge Lord Beckett told Czapla: “As a result of your actions, your son will never grow up.”

He described the murder as “really evil, leaving a defenseless child in considerable pain”.

Detective Inspector Bob Williamson, of Police Scotland’s Main Investigation Team, said: “Julius was a bright, cheerful young boy and his loss in such terrible circumstances has taken a toll on her family. his mother and family. Currently, Lukasz Czapla is facing the consequences of his actions. “