Man convicted of father’s murder released early to halfway house

A Lithuanian man sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of his father has been transferred to a halfway house in Šiauliai due to good behaviour, LRT reports.

Donatas Bareika, who was convicted alongside his brother for the 2023 killing of their father, appeared in a Vilnius courtroom on Tuesday without guards, confirming he had been moved to the Šiaulių Prison’s halfway facility. Under this arrangement, he is permitted to work, study, and visit family while serving the remainder of his sentence.

The brothers, both competitive canoeists, were arrested in March 2023 and have been in custody since. Domas Bareika, the second brother, remains detained and was brought to court by security officers.

During the hearing, the three-judge panel concluded its examination of evidence and began hearing closing arguments. The case will resume in September.

In October 2024, Vilnius Regional Court found the Bareika brothers guilty of their father’s murder, sentencing each to 10 years in prison. Prosecutors have appealed for longer sentences, while lawyers for the victim’s partner and daughter seek increased compensation for non-material damages. The brothers have already paid the court-ordered €20,000 in damages.

The victim, 49-year-old Tomas Bareika, co-owned a café in Trakai. Court records indicate the murder stemmed from a dispute over property and strained family relations. The brothers allegedly struck their father at least six times with a crowbar and axe before transporting his body to Užutrakis Manor, dousing it with petrol, and setting it alight.