Paramedic murder suspect’s father released from custody

Egidius Gaigalas, the father of a woman suspected in the killing of a paramedic in Panevėžys, has been released from custody, LRT reported.

A prosecutor from the Panevėžys Regional Prosecutor’s Office leading the pre-trial investigation changed the preventive measures imposed on Gaigalas after determining that the goals of the proceedings could be achieved through less restrictive measures.

He was released on August 6 after posting 10,000 euros in bail and signing a written pledge not to leave the country.

Gaigalas was detained in Biržai on July 8 during the investigation into the April killing of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas. He has been charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives or explosive substances, as well as illegal possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances with the intention of distributing them or possession of a very large quantity of such substances.

On July 10, a court granted a prosecutor’s request to place Gaigalas in custody for one month.

The search for Sadauskas began on April 20 after he went missing. His vehicle was found the following day, and a search was carried out at a homestead near the location. His body was later found on the homestead’s grounds.

The victim’s former wife, her close friend and the friend’s father were subsequently detained. Authorities have said the motive for the killing may be linked to personal disagreements. The investigation is being conducted by organised crime officers from the Panevėžys County Police Headquarters.