Panevėžys court extends detention for suspect in paramedic murder case

Panevėžys District Court has extended the detention of Vilius Solkanas, one of the suspects in the murder of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas, LRT reports.

The court granted the prosecutor’s request on Tuesday, prolonging Solkanas’ detention by three months. He will remain in custody until September 21.

The court ruled that imposing one or more milder preventive measures would not achieve the intended purpose, making the extension of detention necessary at this time.

On Wednesday, the court will decide on extending the preventive measure for another suspect, Justina Sadauskienė, the former wife of the victim. Prosecutors had previously requested a three-month detention for her in April, but the court partially granted the request, setting a shorter term.

Three individuals are under suspicion in the case. The court allowed the detention of Sadauskienė for two months on charges of intentional murder and unlawful deprivation of liberty. Another suspect, Ilja Solkanas—the father of Vilius Solkanas—was released on a 5,000 euro bail.

Sadauskas’ body was found on April 21 on the territory of a homestead in Panevėžys District. Investigators believe the victim’s body was wrapped in a bouncy castle and buried on the property. A weapon was discovered during the inspection of the crime scene.

Sadauskas, who rented out bouncy castles, had told his father he received an order to deliver one for a children’s party at a kindergarten. After his disappearance, it was noted that the customer’s questionnaire had been deleted, and local authorities confirmed that the specified kindergarten did not exist. Authorities suspect the murder may be linked to personal conflicts.