Tragedy in Croatia: Ex-Policeman Sentenced for Nursing Home Massacre

Daruvar, Croatia - In a tragic turn of events, the sentencing of Krešimir Pahoki has sent ripples through the Croatian community. On July 3, 2025, Pahoki was sentenced to 50 years in prison for a horrific mass shooting that took place nearly a year earlier at a nursing home in Daruvar. He was convicted of killing six individuals, including his own mother, during the tragic event that shocked the nation.

Initially occurring on July 22, 2024, this devastating incident saw Pahoki, a retired military policeman, enter the nursing home and unleash chaos around 10:10 CEST. The victims included four elderly residents alongside Pahoki’s mother, Anka Papp, and a staff member, Damir Fijala, while six others were injured, with four suffering serious wounds. Most victims were elderly, aged in their 80s and 90s, further underscoring the tragedy of the event. After the shooting, Pahoki attempted to flee but was apprehended at a nearby cafe where he had alarmed staff by placing a gun on the table. Authorities swiftly arrested him there, putting an end to his brief escape.

From Chaos to Courtroom

Pahoki’s legal saga began soon after the shooting. On July 23, he faced a slew of 11 criminal charges, including aggravated murder and attempted murder. Subsequently, in December 2024, additional counts brought the total to 13 related to the shooting and a previous incident. Despite entering a plea of no guilt regarding his actions, Pahoki’s trial, which commenced on April 7, 2025, concluded with a conviction that resonated throughout the nation. Following this sentence, Croatian leaders, including President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, condemned the attack, calling for stronger gun control measures to prevent future tragedies. A day of mourning was held in Daruvar on July 24, as the community grieved its losses and reflected on the need for change in gun legislation.

In a wider context, this tragic incident is one of many alarming stories making headlines recently. Ron Estes, a Republican representative from Kansas, mourned the loss of his intern, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, who was shot at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, Alejandro Orellana, a 29-year-old, is facing conspiracy charges for distributing face shields during civil unrest, highlighting the increasingly complex relationship between protest movements and law enforcement. Edward Kelley, a Marine Corps veteran, received a life sentence for plotting attacks against law enforcement, demonstrating the severe implications of political and social tensions in the United States.

Global Reflections

The shooting in Daruvar also resonates with reports of wildlife-related incidents abroad. In Zambia, Robertson Mweemba, the police commissioner, reported the tragic deaths of two European tourists who were attacked by a female elephant at South Luangwa National Park. Such events, while occurring in vastly different spheres, underline a somber narrative of violence and grief experienced across various communities, from urban centers in the U.S. to nursing homes in Croatia and the wilderness of Africa.

On a brighter note, not all news is heavy. In political arenas, figures like Haley Stevens have successfully raised substantial funds for their campaigns, reflecting an engaged electorate eager to influence future governance. Conversely, Tim Fleming, a Republican from Georgia, is gearing up to engage directly with voters as he runs for the state secretary of state position.

In this blend of solemnity and determination, the community of Daruvar and others around the globe continue to grapple with the duality of life through loss and resilience. As events unfold, the collective hope is for healing, understanding, and a safer future.