Woman on trial for murder after partner found dead at Elephant and Castle home

Joanna Cierpka, 51, is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering her partner, Citibank banker Henrik Slotsaa, 52. Mr Slotsaa was found dead at their home in Elephant and Castle on March 15, 2026, with forensic examination revealing 14 sharp force injuries, including potentially fatal neck wounds.

Admission and Defence

Police were called to the property on Newington Causeway after concerns for Mr Slotsaa's welfare. Officers found Cierpka injured in the living room and Mr Slotsaa dead in a bedroom. The court heard that Cierpka told a hospital staff member, "I killed my partner," a statement she recorded in a signed note. She has pleaded not guilty to murder but admits to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

The defence claims Cierpka was suffering from severe depression at the time of the killing, which they argue substantially impaired her ability to form a rational judgment or exercise self-control. Psychiatrists for the defence stated that this depressive episode represented an abnormality of mental functioning from a recognised medical condition.

Relationship Background

Prosecution evidence suggested the killing followed Mr Slotsaa telling Cierpka he no longer loved her and had met someone else at work. This occurred around her birthday on January 17, 2026. Mr Slotsaa had also confided in friends that he was planning a life after Cierpka and had been seen "flirting" with a work colleague, Aimee O’Shaughnessy.

The court heard that Cierpka had experienced redundancy, which affected her self-confidence, and had previously received treatment for depression. WhatsApp messages indicated she felt Mr Slotsaa had "had enough of her" and anticipated a serious conversation about their relationship's future. Colleagues became concerned about Mr Slotsaa's welfare when he was absent from work and uncontactable in the week before his body was found.

Forensic Findings

A post-mortem examination on March 18, 2026, revealed 14 sharp force injuries to Mr Slotsaa's body, including wounds to the face, neck, arms, and legs. Three neck injuries were noted, with one deemed potentially fatal on its own. Stab wounds to the index finger and forearm were identified as defensive injuries, and wounds to the backs of both knees may have indicated an attempt at dismemberment, the prosecution stated.

The prosecution presented evidence from a second psychiatrist who disagreed with the diminished responsibility defence. This expert concluded that while Cierpka suffered from depression, it did not substantially impair her judgment or self-control. This psychiatrist believed the killing was motivated by anger and jealousy towards Mr Slotsaa and his friendship with Ms O’Shaughnessy, set against the backdrop of their relationship's deterioration and Cierpka's alcohol use.

The trial continues at the Old Bailey.