A man has been charged with the murder of his ex-‘hero’ partner’s son, who was stabbed to death in their home while allegedly defending her.
Suleman Altaf, 44, of no fixed abode, has been charged with the murder of Jakub Szymanski, a 15-year-old boy.
On the evening of June 9, about an hour after emergency services were called to an address in Miles Platting, Manchester, Jakub died in hospital from his wounds.
At the property in Bednal Drive, his mother, Katarzyna Bastek, was also treated for serious stab wounds. Ms Bastek, who is in her 40s, was taken to the hospital and her condition is stable.
Altaf was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today.
He’s been charged with murder, attempted murder, and having a public article.
According to reports, Jakub – known to his family as Kuba – was assaulted while attempting to protect his mother.
‘Jakub was lovingly known as Kuba to his family and Jakub to his friends,’ the teenager’s family said in a tribute. Because of his friendly and chatty nature, he was always a popular child, making friends wherever he went.
‘He was a mischievous, funny, and cheeky boy who always spoke his mind. He was a Manchester City fan who enjoyed his Xbox and football.
‘He was just like any other adolescent, and he was helpful to everyone he met, including strangers.’ He is a hero to our family.’
‘There’s no way that boy isn’t a hero,’ a source close to Jakub, who is thought to be one of four brothers, told the MEN. Everyone here knew him for being kind and respectful.
‘He was quiet, but he was a protector. He fought for his family. He was an amazing person, he was a hero and he should be remembered as one.’
Forensic teams were pictured working the scene on Saturday morning while a police cordon remained in place.
A bunch of flowers could also be seen placed outside the home as locals paid tribute to Jakub.
Detective Chief Inspector Alicia Smith, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said on Friday night: ‘Last night’s attack has left a community reeling and a family coming to terms with what was an absolutely devastating incident for everyone involved.
‘A teenage boy who had his whole life ahead of him has tragically lost his life and not only is his mother grieving at the loss of her son, but she is also recovering from what will have been no doubt, hugely traumatic.
‘Our thoughts remain very much with the family and we are absolutely committed to establishing what exactly happened last night.
‘Detectives have been working around the clock since this incident was first reported to us and we’ve now made an arrest which is a huge step forward in getting the family the answers they need.’
Jakub was treated at the scene for stab wounds before being taken to hospital where he died around an hour later, the force said.