[1] The former was known for his frequent spats with the mayor for not paying his taxes and refusing to provide agricultural goods, while the latter, a petty criminal with numerous convictions for robbery and other small crimes, was known for carrying around a gun on him at all times.
[2] At first, no concrete evidence pointed towards the Zakrzewski family members being guilty, but investigators long considered Czesław as a prime suspect, since he had no alibi and his wife confirmed that he was not at home at the date of the murders.
He indicated to the authorities where he had hidden a gun, bloodied clothing, a balaclava he wore while committing the murders and other incriminating evidence, and claimed that his killings were justified, as all of the victims were connected to the state apparatus, and thus were enemies in his fight against communism.
[1] It was eventually revealed that a judge from the Starachowice district court, Stanisław W., who had been introduced to Czesław and Józef as an agent of Radio Free Europe and had made them swear allegiance to a skull, had helped cover up the family's crimes.
In an effort to save his younger son from the death penalty, Józef Zakrzewski broke down during a court hearing and placed the blame on himself, pleading with the justices to spare Adam's life.
[2] Due to the notoriety of the crime, the remaining family members were constantly harassed by fellow villagers, forcing them to flee, and their farm eventually fell into disarray.