How a Polish Journalist Helped Solve a Cold Case: The Anna Podedworna Story
By George Torr
Derby
Anna Podedworna, a skilled butcher, was found guilty of murdering her partner, Izabela Zablocka, in their Derby home in 2010. The case was a cold one, but a Polish TV journalist, Rafal Zalewski, played a pivotal role in cracking it wide open.
Zalewski, a reporter for the widely watched Polish channel Polsat, received a letter from Izabela's daughter, Kasia, asking him to investigate her mother's disappearance. Zalewski's curiosity and persistence led him to interview Podedworna on her doorstep, where she denied any knowledge of Izabela's whereabouts.
Despite her denials, Zalewski sensed something was amiss. He felt Podedworna was not being truthful, and his instincts proved right. After the interview, Podedworna's behavior became increasingly suspicious. She knew her time was up, and the pressure caused her to crack.
On May 15, 2025, Podedworna sent an email to Derbyshire Police, revealing the location of Izabela's body. The police were initially baffled, but they exchanged emails with Podedworna, leading to a crucial discovery. On May 24, she informed detectives that Izabela was buried in the garden of a house on Princes Street, Normanton.
That same day, Podedworna visited the Pear Tree police station and confessed to the murder. She claimed Izabela died in a violent confrontation, but the jury did not accept her defense. Zalewski's interaction with Podedworna revealed her lies to Izabela's family, further confirming his suspicions.
The case has become a high-profile matter, attracting attention from both Poland and the Polish community in the UK. Zalewski's role in solving the cold case is celebrated, and his persistence and intuition are praised. The story highlights the importance of media and journalism in bringing justice to long-unsolved crimes.
The investigation's success is attributed to the actions of Kasia and Zalewski, who pushed Podedworna to contact the police. Their efforts led to the discovery of Izabela's body and brought closure to her family. This case serves as a reminder that even in the face of a cold case, the right people and their actions can make a significant difference.
