European Bodybuilding Champion Arrested on Suspicion of Murdering Ex-Husband

Justina Gaigalaite Detained

According to Главком: Justina Gaigalaite, a European champion in bodybuilding and fitness, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her ex-husband, Mantas Sadauskas. The 31-year-old Sadauskas was reported missing on April 20, 2026, and his body was discovered the following day, April 21. His last known communication was a message to a relative stating he was delivering a trampoline to the village of Paliukai, but no one in that village had ordered one.

The body was found buried in a trampoline on a property in the village of Mileskunai. Two other men have also been detained in connection with the case. Police are investigating charges of murder, illegal deprivation of liberty, and illegal possession of a weapon. Gaigalaite and Sadauskas were in the process of divorcing and share twin children, a boy and a girl. A court had recently ruled, in a decision not yet in force, that the children should live with their father.

Case Background

Gaigalaite stated that she and Sadauskas had stopped living together in 2023. In a separate incident two years prior, two of Sadauskas's cars were set on fire; Gaigalaite was a suspect, but the investigation was halted due to lack of evidence. Authorities now plan to reopen that arson investigation.

This case has captured significant public and media attention, a common occurrence when the private lives of prominent sports figures become entangled in criminal allegations. The investigation is ongoing, with further details expected to emerge.

Gaigalaite's arrest, juxtaposed with her professional achievements, could have profound consequences for her career and her family. The case highlights elements of domestic conflict and violence, the impact of which will be deeply felt by the children who have lost their father. The comprehensive investigation, covering both the murder and prior incidents, underscores the critical need to thoroughly examine situations arising from acrimonious separations, particularly when children are involved.