In a grim conclusion to a harrowing trial, Laimonas Prascevicius and Rimantas Vystartas have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of 53-year-old Andrej Minin within the confines of their shared home in Nelson.
Following an extensive three-week trial at Preston Crown Court, the jury delivered its verdict on May 2nd, finding Prascevicius and Vystartas guilty of the heinous crime.
The tragic incident unfolded on November 5, 2023, when Lancashire Police received a distressing call from the North West Ambulance Service reporting the discovery of Andrej Minin’s lifeless body at the base of the staircase in a property on Fir Street.
A subsequent Home Office post-mortem examination revealed that Andrej had succumbed to severe blunt force trauma to the head and neck, indicative of a vicious attack.
Investigations conducted by law enforcement officers uncovered a gruesome sequence of events, indicating that Andrej had been subjected to brutal beatings, kicks, and stampings before being callously dragged to the foot of the stairs in an attempt to conceal the crime.
Critical forensic evidence, including traces of Andrej’s blood found on the trousers of Prascevicius and Vystartas, provided compelling proof of their culpability in the fatal assault.
Throughout the trial, both Prascevicius, 54, residing on Ball Street, Nelson, and Vystartas, 54, residing on Rigby Street, Nelson, vehemently denied any involvement in Andrej’s demise. However, their assertions were emphatically rejected by the jury, leading to their conviction.
In a stern judicial response, Mr. Justice Lavender, presiding over the case, imposed life sentences on both perpetrators, with a minimum tariff of 19 years to be served before parole eligibility.
Detective Chief Inspector Tracey McMurdo, leading the Force Major Investigation Team, condemned the “brutal and cowardly” nature of the attack, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim within his own residence. McMurdo expressed gratitude to the jury for their diligent consideration of the evidence and expressed hope that the verdicts would offer some solace to Andrej’s bereaved family and friends.
The sentencing marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Andrej Minin, underscoring the commitment of Lancashire Police to uphold the safety and security of the community while holding perpetrators of violence to account for their actions.