At a Glance
- Izabela Zablocka vanished in 2010 after moving to the U.K. from Poland.
- Her partner, Anna Podedworna, 40, is on trial for murder, dismemberment and burial of the remains.
- The case centers on evidence recovered on June 1, 2025 and a trial that could last four weeks.
- Why it matters: The investigation highlights how a domestic dispute escalated into a gruesome crime and underscores the role of forensic evidence in modern prosecutions.
The disappearance of Izabela Zablocka in 2010 sparked a decades-long search that culminated in a shocking murder trial in Derby. Prosecutors argue that her partner, Anna Podedworna, killed, dismembered and buried the body beneath concrete in their shared backyard. The trial, set to last about four weeks, has drawn intense media attention and raised questions about domestic violence and forensic investigation.
Background of the Case
In 2009, Izabela Zablocka and Anna Podedworna moved from Poland to the U.K. seeking work and a fresh start. They settled into a house on Princes Street in Normanton, Derby. The last confirmed contact with Izabela was a phone call to her family in Poland on August 28, 2010, when nothing seemed amiss. After that call, she vanished.
Family members reported her missing to U.K. police in November 2010 and later to Polish authorities. The case remained cold for years until a breakthrough in 2025.
Trial Proceedings
The trial began this week at Derby Crown Court. Prosecutor Gordon Aspden KC presented the case to jurors, outlining the timeline of the disappearance, alleged murder and subsequent concealment. He described the relationship as turbulent, citing evidence of sexual jealousy as a possible motive.
“While the Crown cannot definitively say why Izabela was killed,” Aspden told the court, “there is evidence of jealousy in what he described as a turbulent relationship.”
Evidence Presented
Key evidence included the discovery of remains on June 1, 2025 in the back garden of the Princes Street property. The remains were a skeleton with fragments of human tissue. A post-mortem examination conducted days later could not determine a cause of death due to the passage of time and condition of the remains.
Prosecutors alleged that the body was dismembered, with a large knife cutting it in half. They highlighted that Anna Podedworna had previously worked as a butcher, a job that involved deboning and portioning animal carcasses. The dismemberment would have required considerable force to cut through Izabela‘s spine.
The court heard that after burial, concrete was laid over the remains, a deliberate step to conceal the killing. The prosecution described these actions as calculated and designed to hide the crime.
Defence Claims
Anna Podedworna denies all charges. She claims that Izabela died accidentally during a violent confrontation and that she acted in self-defence. Prosecutors told jurors that this claim was false.
In May 2025, Podedworna initially contacted police stating she wanted to provide evidence. She later told officers the location of the burial site. She has since denied the murder allegations.
Investigation and Arrests
Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed in June 2025 that human remains believed to be Izabela‘s were found in the garden of a Princes Street address. Police said they had only recently learned of her disappearance before launching a murder investigation and making multiple arrests.
According to the court, Podedworna was charged on June 5, 2025 with murder, preventing a lawful burial and perverting the course of justice. She denies the charges.
Legal Context and Charges
The charges brought against Anna Podedworna include murder, unlawful burial and obstruction of justice. The prosecution argues that the concealment of the body under concrete was an intentional attempt to impede the investigation.
The trial is expected to last about four weeks, after which a verdict will be delivered. If found guilty, Anna Podedworna faces a lengthy prison sentence.
Implications and Next Steps
This case underscores the importance of timely reporting and thorough forensic investigation in missing person cases. It also highlights how domestic disputes can devolve into violent crime. The outcome of the trial may influence future policing strategies in similar cases.
Legal experts say that the evidence presented will be critical in securing a conviction. The trial’s progression will be closely monitored by those interested in domestic violence and criminal justice reforms.
The trial remains a stark reminder of the tragic outcomes that can arise when personal relationships deteriorate, and it serves as a call for vigilance in reporting and investigating missing persons.
Key Takeaways
- Izabela Zablocka disappeared in 2010; remains found in 2025.
- Anna Podedworna is on trial for murder, dismemberment and burial under concrete.
- The trial at Derby Crown Court could last four weeks.
- Evidence includes skeletal remains and forensic testimony linking the defendant’s butcher background to the dismemberment.
- The case highlights challenges in missing person investigations and the role of forensic science.
