Gaigalaitė’s lawyer opposes prosecutor’s request to extend detention

The lawyer for Justina Gaigalaitė, the former wife of a murdered paramedic, says he and his client do not agree with the prosecutor’s request to extend her detention, LRT reports.

Vaidotas Sviderskis, Gaigalaitė’s defence attorney, told ELTA that they would oppose the extension in court, arguing that detention is an excessive and unnecessarily harsh measure. He stated that alternative measures, such as house arrest, bail, or an electronic monitoring bracelet, would be more appropriate.

“Our position will be clear—we will object in court. Any other preventive measure is acceptable, but detention is excessive, unnecessary, and too severe,” Sviderskis said. He added that Gaigalaitė has a permanent residence, family ties, and no intention of fleeing or interfering with the investigation.

Gaigalaitė, currently held in Panevėžys women’s prison, continues to deny all charges related to the murder of her ex-husband, paramedic Mantas Sadauskas. Sviderskis noted that she maintains her innocence and has previously had stable employment and unrestricted contact with her children.

The Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor’s Office has requested a three-month extension of Gaigalaitė’s detention, arguing that the reasons justifying her arrest remain unchanged. A similar request was made in April but was only partially granted, with the court setting a shorter detention period.

Prosecutors have also sought to extend the detention of another suspect in the case, Vilius Solkanas, for three months. The hearing date at Panevėžys District Court has not yet been confirmed but is expected next week.

Three individuals are under investigation in connection with the paramedic’s murder. Gaigalaitė was initially detained for two months on suspicion of premeditated murder and unlawful deprivation of liberty. Another suspect, Ilja Solkanas, was released on a €5,000 bail. Ilja is the father of Vilius Solkanas, who was also previously detained for two months.

Sadauskas’ body was found on April 21 on the grounds of a property in the Panevėžys district. Investigators allege his body was wrapped in a bouncy castle and buried on the premises. A weapon was also discovered at the scene. Sadauskas, who ran a bouncy castle rental business, had reportedly told his father he was delivering one to a kindergarten event before disappearing.