Meriden Mother Found Guilty In Son’s Killing, Arson: Officials

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden woman has been convicted of murder and arson charges in connection with the death of her 8-year-old son in 2016, according to officials.

Karin Ziolkowski was found guilty by a jury of murder and second-degree arson Tuesday in New Haven Superior Court, New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. announced.

Ziolkowsk was accused of suffocating her son Elijah Ziolkowski, 8, while in their home in Meriden on Nov. 14, 2016. Police said she then intentionally set two fires in the home.

Elijah wasn’t able to be resuscitated at the scene, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, according to officials.

“Our thoughts are with Elijah’s family at this time and we hope this verdict eases some of the suffering they’ve endured after the unimaginable loss of a child,” Doyle said in a statement. “We also would like to extend our appreciation to the Meriden police, firefighters and EMTs as well as those in the Division of Scientific Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner who worked on this case. Though they are trained to handle investigations involving the deaths of children, we know this work can take a toll both physically and emotionally.”

Ziolkowski is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 10 in New Haven Superior Court.