In the spotlight: Krystian B.

This is the case of 34 year-old Krystian B., a photographer, traveler and writer. Convicted by a Wrocław court last week, he was given 25 years in prison for planning, ordering and supervising the murder of Dariusz J., a local businessman. Krystian B. suspected the victim of having an affair with his wife.

Dariusz J. disappeared on November 13, 2000. His body was found several days later on the banks of the Oder River, bearing the marks of starvation and torture. The police suspended their investigation due to the lack of evidence, but re-opened the case in 2005 after having traced the victim's mobile phone. It had been sold by Krystian B. via an online auction site several days after the victim's disappearance.

It was then discovered that Krystian B. had written a book, entitled Amok, which was published in 2003. The novel includes a description of a murder which is similar to the crime involving Dariusz J. Moreover, experts agreed that the killer in the novel closely resembles Krystian B. in terms of social background, biographical history and personality traits.

A polygraph test gave a strong indication that the suspect had knowledge of the murder and witnesses gave testimony that Krystian B. had, in fact, made reference to the murder several times while under the influence of alcohol. Still, although he once admitted guilt during questioning, Kristian B. later denied involvement in the crime. After the guilty verdict was handed down, he said that he was sorry police had not found the real murderer.

The court described Kristian B. as a depraved individual with a serious personality disorder. He will have to pay zł.10,000 in compensation to the victim's family.