EAST POINT BOSS CONVICTED OF KILLING EMPLOYEES

Debt, Pressure for Raises Possible Motive

Atlanta- A Fulton County jury has returned a guilty verdict in the murder case of an East Point employer. 40-year old Rolandas Milinavicius of Alpharetta was convicted of Malice Murder, Felony Murder, Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime for the July 2007 murders of two of his employees---fellow natives of Lithuania.

The victims, Mr. Marytnas Simokatis, 28 and 25-year old Inga Contreras were found shot to death in the offices of the East Point car dealership where they worked for the defendant. Mr. Simokatis was shot nine times, including wounds to his head and chest. Contreras was shot execution style in the side of the head. Their bodies were discovered by the defendant’s wife who had come to the office looking for him. According to surveillance video, the defendant and the victims were all seen at work at the start of the day. Minutes after the employees’ arrival, the video shows the defendant leaving the scene in Ms. Contreras’ car. Authorities say the defendant fled to Lake Lanier where he dumped the vehicle. Milinavicius turned himself into police two days later. He confessed to killing Mr. Simokatis, but denied any involvement in Contreras’ murder. Ballistics reports however confirm the same firearm was used to kill both victims. In the end, jurors denied his defense--- convicting the defendant for both murders.

Prosecutors believe the motive for murder was financial stress. Milinavicius was in debt and feeling pressure to increase his employees’ pay. The victims had just asked for raises two weeks before their deaths.

Milinavicius was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences plus 10 years.

Superior Court Judge John J. Goger presided over the case. It was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lawanda Hodges with assistance from ADA Josh Geller and Investigator David White. Detective A. Glover of the East Point Police Department lead the initial investigation.

Media Contact: Yvette Brown, 404-224-0560/404-392-8867, yvette.brown@fultoncountyga.gov