BREAKING | A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to life for the murder of his friend in Herefordshire

A 36 year old man has been sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 years for the murder of his friend in Ross-on-Wye in October 2022.

Kestutis Lekunas, 36, of Bluebell Close, was sentenced today, Thursday 4 May at Worcester Crown Court.

He was found guilty of murdering Nerijus Liukpetris on 28 March 2023. 

On 2 October 2022, Lekunas stabbed his friend, 40-year-old Nerijus Liukpetris, on Bluebell Close in Ross-on-Wye following a disagreement.

The pair had been at a party at Lekunas’ house that evening and after stepping outside became involved in an argument.

Following the argument, an altercation took place where Nerijus assaulted Lekunas.  Lekunas then went back into the house and came back outside with a knife, where he delivered the fatal stab wound to Nerijus’s neck.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Steve Cook, said: “I’m pleased that the case has concluded today and that Lekunas will now pay the price for his actions on that night back in October.

“This case is a devastating example of the consequences which can come from a split-second decision when tensions are high. 

“Our thoughts remain with Nerijus’s family at this difficult time.”