ANDRIEJUS KOSTIAJEVAS SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER IN PETERBOROUGH

In a tragic and harrowing case that has shocked the community of Peterborough, Andriejus Kostiajevas, aged 47, has been formally sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife, Ligita Kostiajeviene. The devastating incident occurred on the 2nd of July, during which Kostiajevas carried out a savage and frenzied attack inside their family home. The court proceedings revealed the horrifying details of the assault, which involved the use of multiple weapons including knives, hammers, and a screwdriver.

According to court evidence, Ligita was attacked in their bedroom as she was preparing to leave for her work shift. The attack was described as particularly brutal, with the victim suffering a skull fracture and being stabbed over 30 times. The scene depicted a prolonged and violent assault, reflecting the intense rage that Kostiajevas exhibited during the incident. After the attack, he did not attempt to flee immediately but instead hid under a plastic sheet in a garden shed, where he was eventually discovered by police officers responding to the scene.

During the trial, Kostiajevas claimed to have no memory of the events, asserting that he 'went dark' after consuming strong medication and drinking tea. However, prosecutors painted a different picture, describing the murder as the culmination of years of violence and humiliation inflicted upon Ligita during their two-decade marriage. The court heard that the relationship was marred by ongoing abuse, which ultimately led to this tragic culmination.

Mrs. Justice Lambert, presiding over the case, highlighted the uncontrollable nature of Kostiajevas's rage, describing the attack as both frenzied and brutal. She emphasized that the violence was not an isolated incident but part of a long history of terror inflicted on Ligita, who was recognized as the family's primary breadwinner. The judge sentenced Kostiajevas to serve a minimum of 28 years in prison, reflecting the severity of his actions.

In addition to the murder charge, Kostiajevas was convicted of attempted murder of a child and assaulting an emergency worker, further underscoring the extent of his violent conduct. The court's verdict underscores the tragic impact of long-term domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities in Peterborough.