Dorian S. stands trial for the rape and murder of Belarusian woman

The hearing began shortly after 10:00 a.m., with Dorian S. brought to court from the detention center in Włocławek. The proceedings are presided over by Judge Paweł Dobosz after the previous judge was recused from the case.

The defense initially requested that parts of the trial be closed to the public. The court granted partial closure during the defendant's responses to his counsel and the testimony of certain experts and witnesses.

The prosecutor, Hanna Stachowicz, read the indictment, accusing Dorian S. of sexually motivated murder and robbery.

Dorian S. admitted to the crime but denied intent to kill. He declined to answer questions from the prosecution or the court, choosing to respond only to his defense team. His earlier testimony from the preparatory proceedings was read aloud, where he described feeling "strange" and "in a daze" during the incident, claiming someone might have spiked his drink.

The first witness, a security guard, testified that he saw figures in an embrace near the crime scene while leaving work. Upon closer inspection, he found a scarf hanging on the gate and the partially clothed victim. Initially believing she was unconscious, he attempted resuscitation until emergency services arrived.

A friend of Liza recounted the events leading up to the crime. The two had spent the evening at a pool and saunas before dining in Warsaw's Old Town and visiting bars with friends. The friend offered Liza a taxi, but she chose to walk home instead. The next morning, the friend learned Liza had not made it home.

Elizaveta’s boyfriend testified that she had informed him she was out with a friend. He attempted to contact her the next morning but received no response. He expressed disbelief over her death and spoke of their recent plans for a trip to Spain.

Two women who passed the scene on Żurawia Street testified that they saw a man and a woman in the doorway. Initially mistaking the situation for consensual activity under the influence of drugs, they became alarmed by the man’s aggressive behavior and left to avoid confrontation.

Elizaveta was found naked and unconscious on February 25 in a courtyard on Żurawia Street. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and died on March 1 without regaining consciousness.

Dorian S. was arrested the same day. Police found evidence at his residence, including a large kitchen knife and a balaclava used during the crime. He allegedly raped Elizaveta, stole her phones, bank cards, and wallet, and attempted to kill her with a knife.

Initially charged with robbery, sexual assault, and attempted murder, the charges were upgraded to sexually and financially motivated murder after her death.

The trial will continue on December 16. If convicted, Dorian S. faces a life sentence. Prosecutors have confirmed that psychological evaluations found him mentally competent to stand trial.

After Liza's death, marches were held in several cities, including Warsaw, to protest violence against women. These marches were organized to honor her memory and raise awareness about the growing issue of gender-based violence.

Participants, including women’s rights activists, local communities, and supporters, gathered to demand stronger measures to protect women and to call for an end to violence in all its forms.

The events served as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing violence against women, as well as a tribute to Liza’s life.

The funeral of 25-year-old Liza took place in March 2024. Her loved ones and community gathered to bid her a final farewell at the Northern Cemetery (Cmentarz Północny) in Warsaw. Liza was laid to rest surrounded by white rose petals, symbolizing purity and the deep sorrow felt by those who knew her.

The ceremony was deeply emotional, reflecting the shock and grief surrounding her untimely death. Friends, family, and members of the local Belarusian community attended to honor her memory and express their solidarity in the face of the tragedy.