71-Year-Old Requests New Trial in Killing of Estranged Wife

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A 71-year-old man convicted with killing his wife and holding his girlfriend captive in 2013 is requesting a new trial, following his defense attorney’s allegations of ineffective counsel.

On Sept. 13 at Baltimore City Circuit Court, defense attorney Elizabeth Franzoso requested several motions for modification for Baltimore resident Lukasz Szkiluk, including a new trial, a belated appeal, a new sentencing hearing, and a petition for review by a three-judge panel.

Szkiluk was convicted with first-degree murder and firearm use in a violent crime in February 2015 to which he was sentenced to life plus 10 years in connection to an incident on June 29, 2013.

Szkiluk was found guilty of holding his girlfriend captive in an upstairs bedroom of his home and shooting and killing his estranged wife downstairs, according to the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City (OSA).

During the defendant’s trial, the prosecution informed the court that Szkiluk’s girlfriend was called to his home in the 200 block of S. Haven Street, where he strangled her, knocked her unconscious, and tied her to a bed, the Baltimore Sun reported. When his girlfriend woke up, she heard Szkiluk and his wife, Karolina Derezinska-Szkiluk, arguing in Polish, followed by a “pop,” the OSA press release states.

Szkiluk proceeded to untie his girlfriend and show her the body of his dead wife who was shot in the chest. The girlfriend was once again tied to the bed, and Szkiluk left the home.

The captive victim was able to chew the ropes to free herself and called the police, who saw Szkiluk driving nearby and arrested him after a brief car chase.

On Monday, Franzoso shared several allegations against her client’s prior representation with Judge Robert B. Kershaw, including failure to a speedy trial, failure to file for a motion for review by a three-judge panel, failure to present mitigating evidence during trial, failure to request a Polish interpreter at sentencing, and failure to object to improper and prejudicial jury selection questions.

The majority of the allegations involved the ineffectiveness of prior counsel, Franzoso said.

During questioning from the prosecution, Szkiluk said that although he understood what he was told by his prior defense attorney, Nick Panteleakis, throughout the trial and sentencing, the defendant’s representation was lacking in certain areas.

Franzoso also said that her client had difficultly speaking and understanding the English language in years passed but has learned more since his incarceration.

Judge Kershaw asked counsel to file any documentation they wish to include in their post-conviction arguments within the next 30 days and the court will then make a decision.