Meriden Mother Sentenced For Son’s Murder, Arson: Officials

MERIDEN, CT — A Meriden woman has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the 2016 murder of her 8-year-old son, New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. announced Tuesday.

Karin Ziolkowski was found guilty by a jury of murder and second-degree arson on Nov. 8 in connection with the killing of 8-year-old Elijah Ziolkowski in Meriden.

Karin Ziolkowsk was accused of suffocating her son Elijah 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.

Ziolkowski was sentenced to 40 years’ incarceration on the murder charge and to 10 years’ incarceration on the arson charge, according to Doyle. All sentences are to be served concurrently, for a total effective sentence of 40 years’ incarceration, Doyle said.

“Our thoughts are with Elijah’s family at this time,” Doyle said. “Though nothing can bring back Elijah or lessen the pain of his loved ones, we hope today’s prison sentence brings Elijah’s family some measure of peace now that the person responsible for his senseless and unimaginable death has been brought to justice.”