Lawyer says children bear heaviest impact of paramedic’s killing

The killing of paramedic Mantas Sadauskas has left questions over inheritance and the future of his young children, lawyer Algimantas Kolpertas told JP.lt, as reported by LRT. Kolpertas said Sadauskas’s former wife, Justina Gaigalaitė, could theoretically claim his estate, but would be barred from inheriting if a court found her guilty of involvement in his death.

The Kaunas Regional Court overturned a lower court ruling that had dissolved Sadauskas and Gaigalaitė’s marriage and settled other divorce-related matters. Kolpertas told JP.lt the divorce case was discontinued because one spouse had died. A marriage ends automatically when a spouse dies, leaving no grounds to continue a dispute over its dissolution.

The lawyer said the inheritance issue remains unresolved. He believes Sadauskas’s children are the most likely heirs. The children’s future is also a concern: a lower court had ruled in the divorce case that they should live with their father. Kolpertas said their loss would be traumatic for the rest of their lives and that they would have a safe, familiar environment with their grandparents.

Kolpertas said lawyers for those in custody want the murder investigation transferred to a prosecutor’s office in another region. Only the Prosecutor General’s Office can make that decision, he said, adding that he did not expect it to happen. He voiced support for the current investigation, which also examines car arsons and Gaigalaitė’s possible role. Other people potentially connected to the arsons have been questioned, he said.

Gaigalaitė’s detention has been extended until January 21 next year, according to Kolpertas. He said investigators must gather testimony and evidence to ensure those responsible are held accountable. He also said he may represent Sadauskas’s family in future court proceedings.

Sadauskas also rented and installed trampolines alongside his work as a paramedic. He went to fulfil an order in Panevėžys district and did not return. His body was later found buried at a homestead in the district, and his car was found in a remote location. Gaigalaitė is among those suspected in the killing. Authorities have previously said a possible motive was linked to personal disputes.