Prosecutors end Marijampole assault probe because suspects were under 16

LRT reports that prosecutors have ended a pre-trial investigation into an assault on a girl in Marijampole Poetry Park after finding that the suspects were below the age of criminal responsibility.

The incident followed a violent confrontation between minors on July 15. Prosecutors said the people who assaulted the girl had not reached the age at which they could be held criminally liable for causing physical pain or minor health impairment, or for disturbing public order.

The investigation found that the victim was struck dozens of times and taken to a medical facility. Evidence gathered during the inquiry indicated that a girl and a boy, both younger than 16 at the time, committed the alleged offences. The boy had incited the confrontation and contributed to the offence, prosecutors said.

More than 30 witnesses were questioned, and investigators examined the scene, objects and video footage. Others present watched and filmed the incident; footage showing the assault spread on social media that evening.

The decision to end the investigation and related material will be sent to the Marijampole mayor for consideration of minimum or medium supervision measures for the minors. The material will also go to the Marijampole County Police Headquarters, which will decide whether to initiate administrative proceedings against their parents.

The investigation was opened on July 16. The decision to discontinue it may be appealed to a senior prosecutor.