Killing Of Henryk Siwiak
Unsolved Homicide Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Brooklyn, New York City
TIME PERIOD
September 11, 2001
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
Shortly before midnight on September 11, 2001, Henryk Siwiak, a 46-year-old Polish immigrant, was fatally shot at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Decatur Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, as he mistakenly sought a new job. Siwiak collapsed at a nearby house and was later pronounced dead, making him the only homicide victim recorded in New York City on that date, separate from the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Investigators believe the initial probe into Siwiak's death was hindered by the diversion of law enforcement resources due to the attacks, and they speculate that his killer may have misidentified him as a threat due to his camouflage clothing and limited English proficiency. The case remains unsolved, with no suspects identified, and it continues to be a point of interest due to the unique circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators believe that the diversion of law enforcement resources following the September 11 attacks hampered the initial investigation into Henryk Siwiak's murder. There is speculation that Siwiak's killer may have mistakenly thought he was connected to the terrorist attacks, as he was not robbed and was wearing camouflage clothing while speaking poor English with a heavy accent. Siwiak's death remains significant as it is the only homicide recorded in New York City on that date, separate from the tragic events of the day.
The Unsolved Killing of Henryk Siwiak
A Fatal Night in Brooklyn
In the shadow of one of the darkest days in American history, the untimely demise of Henryk Siwiak unfolded — a tale that remains shrouded in mystery. It was September 11, 2001, a date forever etched in the collective memory of the world. As New York City reeled from the devastating terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, Henryk Siwiak, a Polish immigrant, met a tragic fate on the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Despite the chaos that enveloped the city, his death, unconnected to the terror attacks, was the only homicide recorded on that fateful day.
Background: A Journey to New York
Henryk Siwiak hailed from Kraków, where he once worked as an inspector for the Polish State Railways. Life took a difficult turn when he was laid off in 2000. Seeking new opportunities, he journeyed to New York City to visit his sister Lucyna, residing in Far Rockaway, Queens. Despite lacking a work permit, Henryk chose to remain in the city, working various odd jobs to support his wife Ewa and their two children, Gabriela and Adam, back in Poland. Ewa worked as a high school biology teacher, but Henryk's earnings were vital to their family's well-being. He dreamt of someday returning to Poland to build a new house for his family.
However, Henryk faced challenges adapting to life in New York, particularly with the English language. Despite taking classes and watching television with his sister, his progress was slow. Lucyna warned him about the dangers of the city, but Henryk's love for his new home overshadowed any fears.
The Day of the Tragedy
On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001, Henryk was at a construction site in Lower Manhattan when the terrorist attacks unfolded. As the city was evacuated, the site shut down, leaving Henryk without work. Determined to find another job, he crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and headed back to his sister's home. Scanning the classified ads in the Polish-language newspaper Nowy Dziennik, he found a potential opportunity with a cleaning service at a Pathmark supermarket in Brooklyn's Farragut section.
Henryk visited an employment agency in Bay Ridge that catered to the Polish community to finalize the paperwork. There, he offered comfort to the agency's owner, whose husband worked at the World Trade Center and was unaccounted for. Later, she learned he perished in the attacks. The agency informed Henryk he could begin work that very night, prompting him to return to Far Rockaway. He called Ewa in Poland, assuring her of his safety, having witnessed the tragic events firsthand.
Despite his wife's plea to stay home, fearing the dangers of a city on high alert, Henryk set out for his new job. His landlady, concerned for his safety, advised against the journey to the Farragut neighborhood, known for its dangerous reputation.
The Homicide
Unfamiliar with the Farragut area, Henryk and his landlady mapped out his route. He planned to take the A train to the Utica Avenue station, near the northern end of Albany Avenue, mistakenly believing it was close to the Pathmark. Dressed in camouflage clothing and carrying a backpack, he stood out in the tense atmosphere of the city.
Around 11 p.m., Henryk disembarked from the subway and started walking along Fulton Street, heading toward Albany Avenue. A witness later recalled seeing him during this time. However, Henryk made a wrong turn, heading north instead of south, leading him into one of the city's most dangerous areas.
Amidst the heightened tension of the day, all available NYPD officers were on duty, many working overtime to secure high-risk areas. The northernmost block of Albany Avenue, however, remained largely unprotected. Detective Michael Prate, who would later investigate the case, noted the drug trade in that area likely continued unaffected by the day's events.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., residents heard an argument followed by gunshots. Too frightened to investigate, a woman on Decatur Street, caring for her sick mother, stayed away from her windows. Henryk, shot once in the lung, left a trail of blood as he staggered to the stoop of a rowhouse at 119 Decatur, ringing the doorbell in a desperate plea for help. The occupant, fearful from the earlier gunfire, did not respond. Henryk collapsed facedown in the street, where he was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services responded to a 9-1-1 call at 11:42 p.m.
The Investigation
The investigation into Henryk's murder faced significant challenges. With most of the NYPD's resources diverted due to the attacks, the initial crime scene response was limited. The Crime Scene Unit, typically tasked with securing and collecting forensic evidence, was unavailable. Instead, an evidence-collection unit, usually handling nonviolent property crimes, was dispatched. Only three detectives could canvass the area, a stark contrast to the usual nine.
Despite these limitations, technicians retrieved spent shell casings from a .40-caliber handgun, indicating seven shots were fired, though only one hit Henryk. His wallet contained $75, suggesting robbery was not the motive, or if it was, it had failed.
Theories about the motive behind Henryk's murder abound. His sister Lucyna speculated that his camouflage outfit and accented English might have led someone to mistake him for a terrorist. Initial responding officers even suspected he might have been a National Guardsman deployed after the attacks. However, the NYPD has not classified the homicide as a hate crime due to the lack of evidence.
Detective Prate continued to pursue leads until his retirement in 2011, but no new witnesses or evidence emerged. A $12,000 reward remains unclaimed, and the case is still considered a cold case. In 2018, Prate maintained that a botched robbery was the most plausible explanation for the crime.
The Aftermath
The murder of Henryk Siwiak received scant media attention, overshadowed by the events of September 11. Both his widow Ewa and sister Lucyna have little hope that the case will be solved. "I'm afraid this is forever," Ewa lamented to The New York Times in 2011. Lucyna, attending annual memorial services at St. Patrick's Cathedral, expressed similar sentiments, fearing they may never receive closure.
As the deaths from the terrorist attacks are not included in New York City's official crime statistics for 2001, Henryk Siwiak remains the only homicide victim recorded in the city on September 11. His tragic story stands as a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories left in the wake of that day.
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Henryk Siwiak Shot
Henryk Siwiak is fatally shot in Brooklyn shortly before midnight.
Investigation Hampered
NYPD investigation resources are diverted due to 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Evidence Collected
Evidence-collection unit retrieves shell casings from the crime scene.
Siwiak Pronounced Dead
Henryk Siwiak is pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Case Becomes Cold
The investigation into Siwiak's murder goes cold with no leads.
Investigator Retires
Detective Michael Prate, who investigated the case, retires without resolution.
Reward Offered
A $12,000 reward is announced for information leading to an arrest.
Case Remains Unsolved
The murder of Henryk Siwiak remains unsolved 20 years later.
Shortly before midnight on September 11, 2001, Henryk Siwiak, a 46-year-old Polish immigrant, was fatally shot at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Decatur Street in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, as he mistakenly sought a new job. Siwiak collapsed at a nearby house and was later pronounced dead, making him the only homicide victim recorded in New York City on that date, separate from the terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives. Investigators believe the initial probe into Siwiak's death was hindered by the diversion of law enforcement resources due to the attacks, and they speculate that his killer may have misidentified him as a threat due to his camouflage clothing and limited English proficiency. The case remains unsolved, with no suspects identified, and it continues to be a point of interest due to the unique circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigators believe that the diversion of law enforcement resources following the September 11 attacks hampered the initial investigation into Henryk Siwiak's murder. There is speculation that Siwiak's killer may have mistakenly thought he was connected to the terrorist attacks, as he was not robbed and was wearing camouflage clothing while speaking poor English with a heavy accent. Siwiak's death remains significant as it is the only homicide recorded in New York City on that date, separate from the tragic events of the day.
The Unsolved Killing of Henryk Siwiak
A Fatal Night in Brooklyn
In the shadow of one of the darkest days in American history, the untimely demise of Henryk Siwiak unfolded — a tale that remains shrouded in mystery. It was September 11, 2001, a date forever etched in the collective memory of the world. As New York City reeled from the devastating terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, Henryk Siwiak, a Polish immigrant, met a tragic fate on the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Despite the chaos that enveloped the city, his death, unconnected to the terror attacks, was the only homicide recorded on that fateful day.
Background: A Journey to New York
Henryk Siwiak hailed from Kraków, where he once worked as an inspector for the Polish State Railways. Life took a difficult turn when he was laid off in 2000. Seeking new opportunities, he journeyed to New York City to visit his sister Lucyna, residing in Far Rockaway, Queens. Despite lacking a work permit, Henryk chose to remain in the city, working various odd jobs to support his wife Ewa and their two children, Gabriela and Adam, back in Poland. Ewa worked as a high school biology teacher, but Henryk's earnings were vital to their family's well-being. He dreamt of someday returning to Poland to build a new house for his family.
However, Henryk faced challenges adapting to life in New York, particularly with the English language. Despite taking classes and watching television with his sister, his progress was slow. Lucyna warned him about the dangers of the city, but Henryk's love for his new home overshadowed any fears.
The Day of the Tragedy
On that fateful morning of September 11, 2001, Henryk was at a construction site in Lower Manhattan when the terrorist attacks unfolded. As the city was evacuated, the site shut down, leaving Henryk without work. Determined to find another job, he crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and headed back to his sister's home. Scanning the classified ads in the Polish-language newspaper Nowy Dziennik, he found a potential opportunity with a cleaning service at a Pathmark supermarket in Brooklyn's Farragut section.
Henryk visited an employment agency in Bay Ridge that catered to the Polish community to finalize the paperwork. There, he offered comfort to the agency's owner, whose husband worked at the World Trade Center and was unaccounted for. Later, she learned he perished in the attacks. The agency informed Henryk he could begin work that very night, prompting him to return to Far Rockaway. He called Ewa in Poland, assuring her of his safety, having witnessed the tragic events firsthand.
Despite his wife's plea to stay home, fearing the dangers of a city on high alert, Henryk set out for his new job. His landlady, concerned for his safety, advised against the journey to the Farragut neighborhood, known for its dangerous reputation.
The Homicide
Unfamiliar with the Farragut area, Henryk and his landlady mapped out his route. He planned to take the A train to the Utica Avenue station, near the northern end of Albany Avenue, mistakenly believing it was close to the Pathmark. Dressed in camouflage clothing and carrying a backpack, he stood out in the tense atmosphere of the city.
Around 11 p.m., Henryk disembarked from the subway and started walking along Fulton Street, heading toward Albany Avenue. A witness later recalled seeing him during this time. However, Henryk made a wrong turn, heading north instead of south, leading him into one of the city's most dangerous areas.
Amidst the heightened tension of the day, all available NYPD officers were on duty, many working overtime to secure high-risk areas. The northernmost block of Albany Avenue, however, remained largely unprotected. Detective Michael Prate, who would later investigate the case, noted the drug trade in that area likely continued unaffected by the day's events.
At approximately 11:40 p.m., residents heard an argument followed by gunshots. Too frightened to investigate, a woman on Decatur Street, caring for her sick mother, stayed away from her windows. Henryk, shot once in the lung, left a trail of blood as he staggered to the stoop of a rowhouse at 119 Decatur, ringing the doorbell in a desperate plea for help. The occupant, fearful from the earlier gunfire, did not respond. Henryk collapsed facedown in the street, where he was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency services responded to a 9-1-1 call at 11:42 p.m.
The Investigation
The investigation into Henryk's murder faced significant challenges. With most of the NYPD's resources diverted due to the attacks, the initial crime scene response was limited. The Crime Scene Unit, typically tasked with securing and collecting forensic evidence, was unavailable. Instead, an evidence-collection unit, usually handling nonviolent property crimes, was dispatched. Only three detectives could canvass the area, a stark contrast to the usual nine.
Despite these limitations, technicians retrieved spent shell casings from a .40-caliber handgun, indicating seven shots were fired, though only one hit Henryk. His wallet contained $75, suggesting robbery was not the motive, or if it was, it had failed.
Theories about the motive behind Henryk's murder abound. His sister Lucyna speculated that his camouflage outfit and accented English might have led someone to mistake him for a terrorist. Initial responding officers even suspected he might have been a National Guardsman deployed after the attacks. However, the NYPD has not classified the homicide as a hate crime due to the lack of evidence.
Detective Prate continued to pursue leads until his retirement in 2011, but no new witnesses or evidence emerged. A $12,000 reward remains unclaimed, and the case is still considered a cold case. In 2018, Prate maintained that a botched robbery was the most plausible explanation for the crime.
The Aftermath
The murder of Henryk Siwiak received scant media attention, overshadowed by the events of September 11. Both his widow Ewa and sister Lucyna have little hope that the case will be solved. "I'm afraid this is forever," Ewa lamented to The New York Times in 2011. Lucyna, attending annual memorial services at St. Patrick's Cathedral, expressed similar sentiments, fearing they may never receive closure.
As the deaths from the terrorist attacks are not included in New York City's official crime statistics for 2001, Henryk Siwiak remains the only homicide victim recorded in the city on September 11. His tragic story stands as a poignant reminder of the countless untold stories left in the wake of that day.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Henryk Siwiak Shot
Henryk Siwiak is fatally shot in Brooklyn shortly before midnight.
Investigation Hampered
NYPD investigation resources are diverted due to 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Evidence Collected
Evidence-collection unit retrieves shell casings from the crime scene.
Siwiak Pronounced Dead
Henryk Siwiak is pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services.
Case Becomes Cold
The investigation into Siwiak's murder goes cold with no leads.
Investigator Retires
Detective Michael Prate, who investigated the case, retires without resolution.
Reward Offered
A $12,000 reward is announced for information leading to an arrest.
Case Remains Unsolved
The murder of Henryk Siwiak remains unsolved 20 years later.