Teen convicted of brutal murder in Vilnius appeals sentence
Sunday 12th July 2026 on 09:45 in
Lithuania
A 15-year-old convicted of the brutal murder of his friend in Vilnius’ Žvėrynas district has appealed his eight-year prison sentence, delaying its enforcement, LRT reports citing ELTA.
The case will now be reviewed by the Lithuanian Court of Appeals. The convicted teen’s lawyer, Egidija Belevičienė, declined to comment on the grounds of the appeal, citing restrictions under the Law on the Protection of Minors.
All parties in the case—including the Vilnius Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the convicted, three victims, and civil defendants—have appealed the June 15 verdict by the Vilnius Regional Court. Prosecutors are seeking the maximum possible sentence for a minor: 10 years in prison.
The appeal argues that the first-instance court failed to adequately assess the severity of the crime, its consequences, the defendant’s character, and the legitimate interests of the victims, as well as the deterrent effect of the punishment. The prosecution also requests an increase in the non-pecuniary damages awarded to the victims, though the proposed amount has not been disclosed.
According to the court, the defendant, also 15, stabbed and bludgeoned the victim with a knife and a blunt object at least 35 times during a conflict. The court ordered the convicted minor (or his parents, if he lacks sufficient funds) to pay €100,000 in non-pecuniary damages and €11,000 in legal fees to the victims. The defendant’s parents have already covered the financial compensation.
Under Lithuanian law, minors convicted of especially brutal murder face 4 to 10 years in prison. The court identified mitigating circumstances, including the defendant’s full confession, detailed testimony, and disclosure of the crime’s motives, which led to a sentence below the maximum.
Judge Audrius Cininas stated that the murder was motivated by the victim’s attempt to publicise personal information about the defendant, which he wished to keep private. The crime was also linked to bullying, both at school and between the two individuals.
The investigation began on August 2, 2025, after a report that a 15-year-old had left home and not returned. Parts of the victim’s body were later found in a waste container and a nearby wooded area.