In a harrowing murder case that has captured the attention of Greater Manchester, Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, has been convicted of the brutal killing of his 67-year-old housemate, Stuart Everett. The verdict was delivered after a three-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, where jurors took just over an hour to reach their unanimous decision. Majerkiewicz now faces a life sentence for the murder, which involved the dismemberment of Everett's body.
The events leading up to the murder unfolded on the night of March 27 or early March 28 last year at the home the two shared in Winton, Salford. Following the killing, Majerkiewicz employed a hacksaw to cut Everett's body into at least 27 pieces. These dismembered remains were disposed of at various locations across Greater Manchester, including Kersal Dale, Linnyshaw Colliery Woods, and Blackleach Country Park, among others. As of now, only about a third of Everett's body has been recovered.
Police became alerted to the situation when a dog walker discovered human remains wrapped in cling film in Kersal Dale in April. This grim revelation prompted an extensive investigation spearheaded by Greater Manchester Police, which included examining over 19 crime scenes and analysing thousands of hours of CCTV footage.
Detectives traced video evidence showing Majerkiewicz disposing of the remains. He was seen on CCTV carrying a heavy bag, later linked to the body parts. His arrest followed as police tracked him boarding a bus after these sightings. Officers found him in possession of two mobile phones and bank cards belonging to Everett, indicating that he was impersonating his deceased housemate.
To maintain the facade that Everett was still alive, Majerkiewicz sent messages from Everett’s phone to their other roommate, Michal Polchowski, claiming he was visiting his brother for the Easter holiday. Additionally, he sent a birthday card on April 5 to Everett's brother, Richard Ziemacki, which he signed with a false message pretending to be from Everett.
Forensic evidence played a crucial role in the case against Majerkiewicz. During searches of their shared home, police discovered significant evidence, including a blood-stained carpet and a sofa containing traces of Everett's blood. The latter was subjected to forensic testing that revealed blood traces invisible to the naked eye. The trial uncovered that Majerkiewicz had replaced sections of carpet in their home to conceal the gruesome acts that had occurred.
Prosecutor Jason Pitter KC outlined the evidence, which included bloodstains and saw marks at the crime scene, while pathologists confirmed that Everett had died from multiple blunt force trauma injuries, reportedly inflicted by a hammer before the dismemberment. A hacksaw, found deep underwater at nearby Blackleach Reservoir, also tested positive for Everett's DNA.
With no previous convictions, Majerkiewicz had taken out significant loans in the months leading up to the crime, raising questions about potential financial motives behind the killing. The relationship between the two men reportedly deteriorated over issues related to rent increases, contributing to the brewing tension prior to the attack.
Upon his conviction, Majerkiewicz expressed denial of any wrongdoing, claiming it was a 'mistake.' His barrister acknowledged the overwhelming evidence supporting Majerkiewicz’s guilt in disposing of the body but maintained that he did not commit the murder itself.
The investigation and ensuing trial have drawn considerable attention, not only due to the nature of the crime but also the complexity of the police work involved. Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes, who led the investigation, praised the officers involved for their dedication in a case that has profoundly affected the local community.
Source: Noah Wire Services