The devastated family of Marta Bednarczyk, who was murdered in a house fire in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, say they may never come to terms with their loss, describing the 43-year-old as a “caring woman, a loving mother, and a supportive friend.”
A 13-year-old girl appeared in court today charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life, following the tragic incident that unfolded in the early hours of Monday (March 10).
Emergency services were called to Newcomen Road around 3am following reports of a fire. Despite their efforts, Marta was pronounced dead at 3.29am. Police later confirmed that her preliminary cause of death was a sharp force injury. A full post-mortem examination is yet to be carried out.
The teenager, who cannot legally be named due to her age, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court this morning, clutching a teddy bear during a brief four-minute hearing. She was remanded into secure youth detention accommodation and is expected to appear at Northampton Crown Court later this afternoon.
A Family in Mourning
In a heartfelt tribute, Marta’s grieving family said:
“She was a very caring woman, a loving mother, and a supportive friend who could never do enough for those she loved.”
They described her as the “matriarch of our family,” adding:
“She moved from Poland to the UK in 2010 – first to London and then to Wellingborough in 2012, where she worked in a warehouse in order to bring money home for her family.”
Marta was a devoted mother-of-three and was engaged to her long-term partner Eugene. Her family said she had a “small but tight network of friends and family” and was deeply loved by all who knew her.
“The tragic circumstances in which she died will haunt us forever. We don’t think we will ever come to terms with it. We are heartbroken at the thought of never seeing our lovely Marta again. She will be missed beyond words and she will never be forgotten.”
They also thanked police officers for their support in the wake of the tragedy.
Police Investigation Ongoing
Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell, the senior investigating officer from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said:
“We have formally charged a 13-year-old Wellingborough girl with murder and arson.”
“I want to take a moment to thank the many police officers and staff who are working and continue to work tirelessly on this investigation since the very tragic events of early yesterday morning.”
“In particular, all our thoughts are with Marta’s family who have been fully co-operative throughout what has been a devastating couple of days for them.”
Police and forensic teams remained at the property on Newcomen Road throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, as investigations continue into how the fire started and how Marta sustained her fatal injuries.
Further updates are expected following the teen’s appearance at Crown Court later today.
