Lawyer for Sadauskas murder suspect Gaigalaitė prepares appeal: do not judge before trial

The defence lawyer for Justina Gaigalaitė, the former wife of murdered paramedic Mantas Sadauskas, will challenge a court decision to detain her for two months, LRT reports.

Attorney Vaidotas Sviderskis confirmed he would file an appeal against the Panevėžys District Court’s ruling, which approved Gaigalaitė’s pre-trial detention last week. “The decision has been made, and the appeal will reflect that,” Sviderskis told ELTA.

He declined to specify what alternative measures he would propose but urged the public to refrain from premature judgments. “The presumption of innocence must prevail—not just in words, but in practice,” he said. “Let law enforcement do their work. They will gather evidence, and only then can we assess the case with clarity.”

Sviderskis emphasised that while suspicions exist, time is needed to determine their validity. “Emotions must settle,” he added. Last week, he told reporters that Gaigalaitė denies guilt and that, based on available information, he considers her innocent.

Sadauskas’ body was found on April 21 at a property in Panevėžys district, wrapped in a trampoline and buried on the premises. A firearm was recovered at the scene. Police suspect personal conflicts as a possible motive. Three individuals, including Gaigalaitė, have been detained in connection with the case. Another suspect, Ilja Solkan, was released on €5,000 bail, while Vilius Solkan remains in two-month detention.

Sadauskas, who ran a trampoline rental business, had last been seen on April 20 after informing his family of a delivery order to a kindergarten. Investigators later found the client’s details deleted, and local authorities confirmed no such institution existed at the given address.