Polish investigators have charged a pathologist after the remains of 34 human fetuses were discovered buried on a property she previously owned in southeastern Poland. The findings emerged during construction work in the village of Lutoryż near Rzeszów and have led to an ongoing criminal investigation into the handling and disposal of human biological material.
The remains were uncovered in June 2026 when workers conducting excavation activities found suspicious objects beneath the ground. Local authorities were notified, and forensic experts were deployed to examine the site. Subsequent searches confirmed that the remains belonged to 34 human fetuses at different stages of development.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as a 57-year-old pathologist, Magdalena H., who previously owned the property. She was detained on June 12 and later charged in connection with the discovery.
According to the District Prosecutor’s Office in Rzeszów, investigators are examining whether laws governing the treatment of human remains and medical waste were violated, as reported in TVP World. Officials have not yet announced final conclusions, and the investigation remains active.
According to Euro News, authorities stated that the current owners of the property are not considered suspects. Reports indicate that they purchased the land several months before the discovery and were carrying out renovation work when the remains were found.
According to TVP World, Prosecutor Krzysztof Ciechanowski said,
As established so far, these items were found during earthworks on the property. Among the waste there was also a human fetus and other remains that could constitute human fetuses in an early stage of development or their fragments.
Prosecutor Krzysztof Ciechanowski
During searches of the property, forensic teams recovered several laboratory-related items. These reportedly included microscope slides, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, laboratory containers, and other materials commonly used in pathology and biomedical laboratories.
Investigators are analyzing the recovered items to determine their origin and whether they are connected to the buried fetuses. Authorities have not disclosed whether any hospitals, research facilities, or other institutions are linked to the case.
According to statements reported by Notes from Poland, the suspect told investigators that she obtained the fetal remains from a hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. She reportedly stated that the material had been used for research purposes before being buried on the property.
Prosecutors have not confirmed these claims, and authorities are continuing to examine available evidence. Investigators are working to determine whether any research activities involving the remains complied with applicable legal and ethical requirements.
Prosecutors have ordered additional forensic examinations, including DNA testing, to establish the origin of the remains and clarify the circumstances surrounding their burial. Investigators are also assessing whether other individuals or organizations may have been involved.
The prosecutor’s office stated that further charges could be considered as new evidence emerges. Officials have not released information about the identities of the fetuses or the healthcare institutions from which the remains may have originated.
The investigation remains ongoing.
(Rh/SS)
