A tragedy has unfolded in the Panevėžys district following the brutal murder of Mantas Sadauskas, a local paramedic. Investigators have detained three individuals in connection with the crime, including the victim’s ex-wife, a European fitness and bodybuilding champion.
A Calculated Trap
The events leading to the murder began on the morning of April 20, when Sadauskas received a message via Facebook Messenger. The sender, identifying as a woman, requested the urgent delivery and setup of a trampoline for a children’s party at a farm in the Panevėžys district.
Sadauskas, who operated a trampoline rental business in his spare time, forwarded the message to his parents before departing. It was later revealed that no such party existed and the user account used to lure the paramedic was deleted shortly after he disappeared.
During his journey, Sadauskas initially arrived at the wrong address in the village of Paliukai, visiting the property of a woman named Rugilė before continuing toward the intended destination. He was eventually targeted near a farm in Mileškūnai.
The Search and a Deceptive Encounter
As family members and volunteers searched for the missing man, Laimis Sadauskas, the victim’s father, encountered Vilius Solkanas, a former Lithuanian weightlifting champion. At the time, the family did not know that Solkanas was the new partner of the victim’s ex-wife, Justina Gaigalaitė.
According to Laimis Sadauskas, Solkanas acted friendly and polite, offering condolences and suggesting the family search toward the “Green Forest.” However, the victim’s Hyundai vehicle was later found in a different forested area and the body was located on the property of Ilja Solkanas, Vilius’s father.
Criminalists and canine units discovered the body on the evening of April 21. Evidence suggests that an attempt had been made to burn the remains before they were buried. Laimis Sadauskas confirmed that his son had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.
A History of Conflict and Threats
The murder follows a volatile divorce process marked by disputes over property and child custody. Laimis Sadauskas recalls that his son had previously been threatened by Justina Gaigalaitė, who allegedly shouted in the presence of police, “I will beat you, shoot you, burn you, you will not live!”
The family’s fears were heightened on October 25, 2024, when their Audi and Mercedes vehicles were set on fire using gasoline. Laimis Sadauskas expressed deep frustration with the police investigation into the arson, claiming that the failure to solve that crime may have paved the way for the eventual murder.
Legal battles also played a role in the tension. On May 15, 2025, a court ruled that the children’s place of residence would be with the father and ordered Gaigalaitė to pay 60,500 euros in compensation. On March 28, 2023, Gaigalaitė was fined 1,700 euros for the illegal possession of psychotropic substances.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentences
Justina Gaigalaitė and Vilius Solkanas have been detained for two months and face charges of kidnapping and murder. They could face prison sentences ranging from 7 to 15 years. Gaigalaitė has denied the allegations.
Ilja Solkanas was released on a 5,000 euro bail but faces up to 5 years in prison for the illegal possession of the weapon potentially used in the killing. The court may order psychiatric evaluations for the suspects to determine if they were aware of their actions at the time of the crime.
Mantas Sadauskas was laid to rest on April 26, attended by family, colleagues, and members of the public shocked by the cruelty of the crime.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Mantas Sadauskas lured to the location of the crime?
He was lured via a fake Facebook Messenger request from a woman who claimed she needed a trampoline urgently set up for a children’s party in the Panevėžys district.
Where was the victim’s body eventually found?
The body was found on April 21 at the farm of Ilja Solkanas in Mileškūnai, buried in a hole near a terrace foundation that was being concreted.
What are the legal charges against the suspects?
Justina Gaigalaitė and Vilius Solkanas are suspected of kidnapping and murder, while Ilja Solkanas is suspected of the illegal possession of a firearm.
Do you believe law enforcement agencies do enough to track and act upon domestic threats before they escalate into violence?
