Mirrella, a 42-year-old woman from Świętochłowice, southern Poland, was discovered in July after allegedly spending 27 years inside her family’s apartment. She had last stepped outside at age 15.
Neighbors said that anyone who asked about her was told she had been reunited with her biological parents. Mirella has now come forward, stating that she was not being held against her will.
When police responded to a call at the apartment block, residents were shocked to find Mirrella emaciated and “close to death,” with severe wounds. She was transported to hospital, treated, and later returned to her family home—according to Fakt. Images from the apartment show a room frozen in time, filled with children’s toys and books, including a Donald Duck soft toy.
Mirrella’s mother told reporters that they had sometimes gone out with her, but could not recall when. She also commented on the toys, saying: “I’ll throw those away, but I haven’t gotten to that point yet.”
According to the Emergency Medical Service in Katowice, the woman told paramedics she had not left the apartment in over 20 years. After doctors said she had been only days from death due to infection, locals launched a fundraiser.
Neighbours expressed shock, recalling the family never discussed her absence.
Police investigation found no prior reports of missing persons or disturbances at the address. The Criminal Division of the Municipal Police Headquarters is now gathering and verifying information, forwarding evidence to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether any crime was committed.
