Lithuanian police investigate possible murder of missing paramedic Mantas Sadauskas

Lithuanian police have launched a pre-trial investigation into the suspected murder and unlawful detention of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas after his body was found in Panevėžys district, state broadcaster LRT reports.

The 31-year-old’s body was discovered Tuesday evening in a homestead in Mileškūnai village. Two suspects have been detained, though authorities have not disclosed their identities or details. The investigation is proceeding under articles of the Criminal Code covering murder—punishable by 7 to 15 years’ imprisonment—and unlawful detention involving violence or threats to life and health, which carries up to four years in prison.

Sadauskas, who worked part-time renting and delivering inflatable trampolines, was reported missing Monday after telling family he had received an order via Facebook to deliver a trampoline to a kindergarten. The client’s profile was later deleted, and local officials confirmed no such kindergarten existed at the given address. His vehicle was located Tuesday morning in a remote area near Paliūkai and Gegužinė villages with the help of a Border Guard helicopter, prompting the initial kidnapping probe.

Relatives told media Sadauskas had been in a custody dispute with his ex-partner over their two young children, with a court ruling in his favor. They also reported prior incidents of arson targeting their family cars. Following his disappearance, suspicions arose among family and social media users about potential involvement by his ex-partner and her new partner.

The case drew widespread public attention, with emergency medical service colleagues and online communities actively assisting in the search efforts.