A 48-year-old man from California, Mateusz Dzierbun, allegedly stabbed his 9-year-old son to death in a park in San Jose before being fatally shot by responding police officers.
Authorities reported that Dzierbun called 911 on Saturday afternoon, claiming someone else had attacked his child, even providing a description of the alleged attacker that matched his own appearance.
The Incident Unfolds
San Jose police arrived at Cataldi Park shortly after receiving the 911 call and found Dzierbun crouched over his son’s body, holding a bloodied kitchen knife.
Despite officers’ repeated demands for him to drop the weapon, Dzierbun ignored them, making statements indicating that he wanted to be shot by the police. He then allegedly charged toward the officers with the knife raised.
When officers approached the scene, they discovered that the 9-year-old child was already dead from severe injuries. Police Chief Paul Joseph described the incident as unimaginable, stating that the injuries were so brutal that it was difficult to comprehend a father could inflict them on his own child.
Motive and Police Response
The police chief later confirmed that Dzierbun’s call to 911 was part of a twisted plan to provoke officers into shooting him. The term “suicide by cop” was used to describe the suspect’s actions.
Despite having no known criminal history or documented mental health issues, Dzierbun’s behavior and tragic actions have left the community in shock.
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan expressed his disbelief, calling the incident “horrific and heartbreaking.” He lamented how the child, who should have been protected by his father, became the victim of such a brutal act.
Investigation Underway
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is now reviewing the body camera footage and conducting a full investigation into the events. The investigation is focused on the police response to Dzierbun’s actions, and homicide detectives are working to retrace Dzierbun’s movements before the fatal encounter.
This tragic incident highlights the heartbreaking consequences of domestic violence and the devastating impact on innocent children. The death of a child at the hands of a parent is a reminder of the need for early intervention and support for families struggling with mental health issues.
