South Yorkshire detective speaks out after double murder conviction

Indre Barysaite, now 30, and Dimitrijus Jakimovas, now 33, were convicted of murder this week over the fatal stabbing of Barysaite’s then boyfriend Zygimantas Kromelys, 26.

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Mr Kromelys, known as Zygi, was killed at the home all three shared in Denman Street, Eastwood, Rotherham, in November 2019.

His girlfriend and housemate denied murdering the Lithuanian national, who was knifed in his chest, but were found guilty after a trial.

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Barysaite was sentenced to life in prison and ordered to serve a minimum of 14-years, with Jakimovas also jailed for life and ordered to serve a minimum term of 14 years and eight months.Senior investigating officer, DCI Mark Oughton, said: “Barysaite and Jakimovas have always denied stabbing Zygi.

“Instead, they worked together and attempted to divert the early stages of the investigation, concocting numerous fictional accounts. First, the pair claimed that Zygi had fallen and injured himself on a spike while outside, then that he was stabbed by a third party, again while outside and lastly, that he had stabbed himself in the chest.

“CCTV footage overlooking the property proved these claims to be categorically untrue. The final clip we have of Zygi alive was him taking the bins out shortly after 9pm, before re-entering the kitchen through the back door. Nobody else entered or exited the property before emergency services were called at 9.36pm – meaning all three were inside at the time of the stabbing.

“What exactly led to Zygi’s death we may never know, but what we can be sure of is a toxic and destructive relationship between Zygi and Barysaite.”

DCI Oughton thanked his investigation team for their meticulous piecing together of the trio’s final movements that evening, which was crucial in securing the convictions.

“I would like to commend the officers who spent their time watching hundreds of hours of CCTV footage. In the absence of a murder weapon, this has been an incredibly challenging investigation, and CCTV proved absolutely crucial,” he said.

“I’m pleased we have secured this double conviction, and my thoughts are now with Zygi’s family and friends.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.