Discovery and manhunt

On Monday, 20 July 2026, around 10:00, the body of a woman was discovered in Chojna, a town in Zachodniopomorskie, western Poland. A second woman was found injured at the scene, according to Głos Szczeciński. The Komendant Powiatowy Policji w Gryfinie immediately declared an alarm, mobilising the entire unit. Officers from the prevention division, dog handlers with tracking dogs, and drone teams were deployed to secure the area and locate the suspect.

“Prevention officers, dog handlers with tracking dogs, and teams using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) were dispatched. The Prevention Unit of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Szczecin also joined the operation, supporting the search and securing the area.”

The manhunt unfolded rapidly across difficult terrain, with the suspect attempting to hide. Fire brigade units also assisted, and drones scanned from above.

Arrest

Less than three hours after the body was found, police detained a male suspect. He was located in allotment gardens, according to Polsatnews. Most outlets, including RMF24 and FAKT24, identify the arrested man as the 19-year-old son of the deceased woman. One report, from Głos Szczeciński, gives his age as 21. The arrest brought a swift end to the intensive search.

Victims and motive

The dead woman was the mother of the suspect, multiple sources confirm. The second victim, her companion, sustained injuries but survived. RMF FM reporter Krzysztof Zasada reported that the incident was the culmination of family disagreements. No official confirmation of the motive has been released by police.

Investigation

The District Prosecutor's Office in Gryfino has taken over the case. Further investigative steps are underway, though authorities have not yet disclosed additional details. The suspect remains in custody as the inquiry proceeds.