Law enforcement officials gunned down in Panevezys

VILNIUS - The bodies of Panevezys area deputy chief prosecutor Vida Kazlauskaite and an inspector of the Pasvalys district police, Sergejus Piskunovas, were found outside their country house near the town of Pasvalys on Nov. 7.

A police spokesperson said that the bodies were found at around 7:45 a.m. with gunshot wounds to their heads. Kazlauskaite's body was found in her car near the gate to the property while Piskunovas' was found lying face down outside his car. Kazlauskaite and Piskunovas, both 40, lived together.

Local residents reported hearing about 15 gunshots over several minutes, indicating that Piskunovas might have been able to return fire prior to being killed, the police said. Also, his car had been hit by several bullets. There are no indications that Kazlauskaite was able to resist. Police have so far been unable to recover any murder weapons.

At present, police are not speculating on motives or possible suspects. The Lithuanian media has reported rumors that Piskunovas was under investigation for taking bribes from a ring of liquor smugglers two years ago.