Fatal Police Chase Ends Manhunt After Latvia Murders

A high-speed chase and shootout in southern Lithuania concluded with the death of a suspect wanted in connection with a double murder in Latvia. The intense operation involved gunfire and resulted in both the suspect’s vehicle and a police car catching fire.

International Manhunt

Latvian authorities contacted EU member states after discovering two individuals dead in a Pļavnieki apartment on Wednesday, July 9th. Evidence suggested the crime occurred the previous day, July 8th. Police identified a suspect and his vehicle, confirming he had fled Latvia.

Lithuanian police tracked the vehicle’s movement within their territory. On Thursday, July 10th, they initiated an operation to apprehend the suspect, coordinating with Latvian authorities.

Violent Confrontation

The suspect, identified as Latvian citizen Viktors Konopeļkins, died at the scene in the Alytus district. According to the Latvian State Police, the suspect was armed and fired shots at law enforcement during the pursuit. No officers sustained injuries.

Latvian State Police Chief Armands Ruks spoke about the case: “We assume that the motive could be related to some personal issues. These were not close relatives,” suggesting a potential personal connection between the suspect and the victims.

Motive Under Investigation

Ruks explained why the public wasn’t alerted earlier: there was no indication of broader public danger, despite the ensuing violent confrontation. According to recent data, homicides with a known relationship between the victim and perpetrator are more common; in 2023, 64% of homicide victims knew their offenders (BJS).

You can find the original version of this story from our Lithuanian colleagues at LRT.