Courts / Louth / Report

Murderer threatened to kill partner, witness tells impeding trial

Date
2017-06-20

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

The trial of Aivars Sondors, 55, for impeding a homicide investigation has focused on his alleged assistance to Marius Gaizutis in covering up the murder of Audrius Butkus, 44, who died from a violent assault in Louth. Sondors is charged with three counts of aiding the offender on 9 or 10 September 2013 by moving Butkus's body from a house on Marsh Road, Drogheda, to Mornington Beach, cleaning the scene, and disposing of evidence at Burke House. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts, though he admitted the allegations. The jury must decide whether duress was involved. Witness testimony from Carmen Canales, who hosted the killer's partner and children at her home that night, highlighted the partner's threats and the family's fear. The case remains before Mr Justice Paul Coffey.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murderer threatened to kill partner, witness tells impeding trial. Charges or matters: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Mr Butkus; all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015. Procedural stage: trial

When:

September 9 Incident
May 1, 2015 Other
2017-06-20 Publication

Why: Ms Canales said the woman pleaded with her to open the door because her husband had threatened to kill her. CNI source report

Case subjects

Aivars Sondors

Accused

Charges: three counts of assisting an offender on September 9 or 10 2013 by impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Marius Gaizutis, knowing or believing him to have unlawfully killed Mr Butkus; all three counts; the murder of Mr Butkus on May 1, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty