NYC's Only Murder on 9/11 (Henry Siwiak)
4Digest
This podcast episode delves into the murder of Henrik Shviak, a Polish immigrant who was killed in Brooklyn on September 11, 2001, separate from the terrorist attacks. The episode features interviews with Henrik's sister, Luzina, and two NYPD detectives, Mike Prey and Tommy Joyce, who provide insights into the investigation and the challenges they faced. The episode begins by introducing Henrik's life in Poland, including his childhood, education, military service, marriage, and his dream of building a house for his family. Luzina shares details about her own journey to the United States through the Green Card Lottery and how Henrik eventually joined her, hoping to earn money to fulfill his dream. The episode then focuses on Henrik's murder, which occurred in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a high-crime area in Brooklyn. The investigation was hampered by the overwhelming events of 9/11, leading to limited resources and a cold case. The episode explores the impact of the terrorist attacks on the investigation, highlighting the challenges faced by the NYPD in responding to the tragedy and the subsequent lack of resources for Henrik's case. The episode details the crime scene and the initial investigation, which was limited due to the overwhelming events of 9/11. The episode also explores various theories surrounding Henrik's murder, including robbery, hate crime, and happenstance. The investigation faced challenges due to the high crime area, lack of witnesses, and limited resources. The episode reconstructs Henrik's last day, including his new job at a supermarket in Brooklyn and his attempt to navigate the unfamiliar subway system. His murder is attributed to a tragic happenstance. The episode discusses the challenges of solving the cold case, including the lack of witnesses, limited resources, and the neighborhood's reluctance to cooperate with the police. The episode concludes with a call for answers on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The investigation remains open, and the podcast encourages listeners to come forward with any information they may have.
Outlines
Henrik's Life and Murder
This chapter introduces Henrik Shviak, his life in Poland, his move to the United States, and his tragic murder on 9/11 in Brooklyn. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by the NYPD in investigating the case amidst the terrorist attacks.
The Impact of 9/11 on the Investigation
This chapter explores the impact of 9/11 on the investigation of Henrik's murder, highlighting the challenges faced by the NYPD in responding to the terrorist attacks and the subsequent lack of resources for Henrik's case.
The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation
This chapter details the crime scene in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, where Henrik's body was found. The investigation was limited due to the overwhelming events of 9/11, resulting in a lone detective and evidence collection team responding.
Theories and Challenges
This chapter explores various theories surrounding Henrik's murder, including robbery, hate crime, and happenstance. The investigation faced challenges due to the high crime area, lack of witnesses, and limited resources.
Henrik's Last Day and the Cold Case
This chapter reconstructs Henrik's last day, including his new job at a supermarket in Brooklyn and his attempt to navigate the unfamiliar subway system. His murder is attributed to a tragic happenstance. The chapter also discusses the challenges of solving the cold case, including the lack of witnesses, limited resources, and the neighborhood's reluctance to cooperate with the police.
The 20th Anniversary and the Search for Answers
This chapter concludes with a call for answers on the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The investigation remains open, and the podcast encourages listeners to come forward with any information they may have.
Keywords
Green Card Lottery
A program that allows 50,000 people from around the world to obtain permanent residency in the U.S. each year. Eligibility requires a high school diploma or two years of work experience in certain fields.
Cold Case
A criminal investigation that has been inactive for a significant period due to lack of leads or evidence. Cold cases are often revisited with new technology or information.
Hate Crime
A crime motivated by prejudice against a person's race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristic. Hate crimes are often considered more serious than other crimes.
9/11
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in New York City and Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people. The attacks had a profound impact on the U.S. and the world.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
A neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City, known for its brownstones and diverse population. It has historically been a high-crime area.
Q&A
What were the challenges faced by the NYPD in investigating Henrik's murder on 9/11?
The NYPD was overwhelmed by the terrorist attacks, leading to limited resources for Henrik's case. The investigation was hampered by a lack of detectives, crime scene investigators, and forensic units.
What are some of the theories surrounding Henrik's murder?
Theories include robbery, hate crime, and happenstance. The investigation explored the possibility of a robbery gone wrong, a hate crime motivated by the heightened tensions after 9/11, or a tragic accident due to Henrik's unfamiliarity with the neighborhood.
Why was it difficult to find witnesses in Henrik's case?
The neighborhood where Henrik was murdered was a high-crime area with a history of drug activity and violence. Residents were reluctant to cooperate with the police, fearing retribution from criminals and gang members.
What impact did 9/11 have on the investigation?
9/11 diverted resources and attention away from Henrik's case, making it difficult to solve. The overwhelming events of the day overshadowed the murder investigation, leading to a cold case.
What is the significance of the 20th anniversary of 9/11 for Henrik's case?
The 20th anniversary serves as a reminder of the unsolved murder and a call for answers. The podcast encourages listeners to come forward with any information they may have, hoping to bring closure to Henrik's family and the investigators.
Show Notes
Nearly 25 years have passed since that fateful day in New York, and while the major events of the day will always be remembered, there was one more life lost that day that we also cannot forget. This episode may sound familiar, but it's because justice has yet to be served...
The terror attacks killed 2,753 people in New York, and while those deaths are all murders, they are not classified that way. There was, however, one death that happened in New York City on 9/11 that was officially ruled a homicide... and we should never forget it.
For episode information and photos, please visit: anatomyofmurder.com/nycs-only-murder-on-9-11-henry-siwiak
Can’t get enough AoM? Find us on social media!
- Instagram: @aom_podcast | @audiochuck
- Twitter: @AOM_podcast | @audiochuck
- Facebook: /listenAOMpod | /audiochuckllc
Table of contents
United States
😥