Paramedic’s ex-wife seeks release from custody in murder case

The ex-wife of a murdered paramedic, Justina Sadauskienė, is again attempting to secure her release from custody, according to a report by LRT and ELTA. Her lawyer has appealed a June decision by Panevėžys District Court to extend her detention.

Defence attorney Vaidotas Sviderskis argued that detention is an excessively severe measure and that the goals set by law could be achieved through alternative coercive measures. “The prosecution, of course, has a different opinion. They believe it should be otherwise. We agree that detention could be replaced with house arrest, bail, or other restrictions—but the court decides what is appropriate. Whether it’s 10,000, 20,000, or 50,000 euros, or even real estate as collateral, that’s not a problem. There is no risk of flight, hiding, or obstruction, and we can guarantee that. We hope we will be heard,” Sviderskis told ELTA.

Panevėžys Regional Court has not yet set a date for the appeal hearing, which the lawyer expects to be held remotely. Sadauskienė has been in custody since April, and her current detention is extended until September 21 on three legal grounds: potential obstruction of the investigation, risk of flight, and the possibility of committing new crimes.

Sviderskis noted that Sadauskienė has not seen her children in three months, as they are currently being raised by the murdered man’s parents. He linked the restriction on contact to her status as a suspect in the pre-trial investigation, as she denies the charges.

The case involves three suspects. In April, the court initially detained Sadauskienė for two months on charges of intentional murder and unlawful deprivation of liberty. Another suspect, Ilja Solkanas, was released on 5,000 euros bail. Solkanas is the father of a third suspect, Vilius Solkanas, whose detention was extended by three months earlier this week.

The body of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas was found on April 21 on the territory of a homestead in Panevėžys District. Investigators allege his body was wrapped in a trampoline and buried on the property. A weapon was found during the crime scene inspection. Authorities suspect the motive may be related to personal conflicts.