In May 2025, the campus of the University of Warsaw became the site of a violent crime that shook public opinion. A 22-year-old law faculty student, Mieszko R., attacked the university's doorman with an axe, causing her death, as well as injuring the intervening University Guard employee. Now, after a multi-month investigation, The prosecution reveals that the perpetrator was insane at the time of the attack and would not stand trial. What does this mean for law enforcement and security at universities?
The tragedy occurred on May 7, 2025 on the campus of the University of Warsaw on Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. Mieszko R., then a 22-year-old student, approached a 53-year-old doorman who was just closing the door to the Maximum Auditorium. Without warning, he attacked her with an axe, inflicting deadly blows. A woman died at the scene. A 39-year-old employee of the University Guard tried to subdue the attacker. Mieszko R. hurt him seriously, but the man survived and went to a hospital in severe condition. The intervention was assisted by an on-site State Security Service officer who provided first aid to the injured and supported the detention of the perpetrator.
After the arrest, Mieszko R. heard allegations: killings with particular cruelty, attempted murder, insulting the body and violating the physical integrity of the officer (when he was arrested he bit one of the police officers in the leg). The investigation was conducted by the District Attorney's Office in Warsaw, and the suspect went to the detention center where he is in the psychiatric ward.
A key element of the investigation was the opinion of experts of psychiatrists who have been examining the mental state of Live R for many months. In September 2025, a four-week period of judicial and psychiatric observation began in the hospital. An opinion, with about 200 pages, was received by the D.A. in January 2026. The experts ruled that at the time of the act a man acted in a state of psychosis caused by psychotic decompensation in the course of a strong, incurable mental disorder. In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Criminal Code, his ability to recognize the meaning of acts and to guide his conduct was completely abolished—which means complete insanity.
The spokesman for the Warsaw District Attorney Antoni Skiba confirmed these findings: "The perpetrator of the murder on the campus of the University of Warsaw was insane at the time of the attack – he said, citing the opinion of experts of psychiatrists." The Public Prosecutor's Office sees no grounds for questioning the opinion and does not request its addition or new expertise. Instead of a criminal trial, investigators plan to file a motion to the court for dismissal and Location Lives R. in a closed psychiatric institution with compulsory treatment, pursuant to Article 93a(1)(4) of the Criminal Code. The experts highlighted the high risk of re-injuring a serious social injury crime due to mental illness. In the event of possible dismissal, they recommend considering placing in the National Centre for the Prevention of Dissocial Behaviour for long-term control.
At present, Mieszko R. remains in temporary custody and the proceedings await the possible requests of the parties who may request that the opinion be supplemented. The issue is controversial, raising questions about university security and the adequacy of measures against people with mental disorders. The University of Warsaw has strengthened protection procedures after the incident, but the debate on the prevention of similar tragedies continues.
This decision by the D.A. concludes the criminal investigation stage, but opens a new chapter on the treatment and isolation of the perpetrator. Is the judicial psychiatry system prepared for such cases? Time will show how the court will examine the application to be placed in a closed facility.
Source: District Attorney in Warsaw
