Teen Charged With Artist's Murder

Warsaw authorities charged a 19-year-old man Friday with the murder of surrealist painter Zdzislaw Beksinski.

The suspect, identified only as Robert K., is the son of longtime Beksinski friend and aide Krzysztof K., police said. The two and their 16-year-old relative were all picked up for questioning Wednesday.

The 19-year-old confessed to the Monday night killing while in custody, said prosecutor Zbigniew Zelaznicki.

Beksinski, was considered one of Poland's leading contemporary artists. He emerged on the Polish art scene in the 1950s and was best known for his abstract renditions of skeletons, monster-like creatures and other apocalyptic images evoking death and decay.

The 75-year-old was found stabbed to death at his Warsaw home Monday night. There were no signs of forced entry or robbery.

A motive was still not clear, though it appeared as if the 19-year-old had tried to borrow money from Beksinski, Zelaznicki said.

The weapon used, which has been recovered by police, was a small knife, he said.

Krzysztof K., who ran errands for the painter, has been released but police are still investigating the 16-year-old, Zelaznicki said.

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