Unexpected turn in paramedic murder investigation: father of Sadauskienė detained in Biržai

A surprising development has emerged in the investigation into the murder of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas, as Egidijus Gaigalas, the father of the main suspect Justina Gaigalaitė (also known as Sadauskienė), was detained in Biržai on Tuesday, according to a joint statement by the prosecutor’s office and police.

Gaigalas, a physician in Biržai, serves as the head of the Resuscitation and Intensive Care Unit at Biržai Hospital. Hospital director Petras Bimba told ELTA that he learned of the detention from colleagues while attending a conference in Vilnius. “Employees reported that law enforcement officers had arrived at the hospital due to an incident,” Bimba said on Wednesday. He added that Gaigalas had no work-related issues and that the hospital was unaware of any suspicions against him.

During searches of Gaigalas’ home and workplace, authorities discovered approximately 50 rounds of ammunition and psychotropic substances, which investigators believe may be linked to the crime. Gaigalas faces charges under Article 253 (1) of the Criminal Code for the unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, or explosive materials, and under Article 260 (2) for the unlawful possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances with intent to distribute or for possessing large quantities of such substances.

The investigation began after Sadauskas went missing on April 20. His vehicle was found the following day, and his body was later discovered on the property near where the car was located. Sadauskienė, her close associate, and her father were subsequently detained. Currently, two suspects remain in custody.

A court hearing on the detention of Gaigalas is scheduled for Thursday morning at Panevėžys District Court. Prosecutors will provide a brief comment to journalists after the session.