Corby man found guilty of attempted murder after woodland shooting
Matas Sukaitis will be sentenced in September
A 21-year-old man has been convicted of attempted murder after a teenage boy was shot in a Corby woodland last year.
The jury at Northampton Crown Court delivered a majority verdict against Matas Sukaitis after deliberating for more than 10 hours.
In addition to attempted murder, Sukaitis was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a knife in a public place.
Shooting incident in Hazel Wood
The shooting happened on the afternoon of 11th April last year, when the 17-year-old victim was sitting with a friend in Hazel Wood, located between Westcott Way and Jubilee Avenue.
Sukaitis appeared, armed with a black handgun, and fired at the teenager, who was shot in the back while trying to flee.
After the boy collapsed, Sukaitis attempted to shoot him at close range, but the gun jammed twice.
Intent on causing further harm, Sukaitis produced a knife, stabbing the teenager in the leg twice and kicking him in the face before fleeing the scene.
The victim required surgery for a gunshot wound that shattered a vertebra and perforated his bowel.
He also needed stitches for stab wounds to his legs and treatment for facial bruising.
Investigation and arrest
The victim initially identified his attacker only by the nickname "MT" and the name "Frankie," linked to a Class A drug line operated by Sukaitis.
Sukaitis later admitted to dealing drugs in Corby through the Frankie line, selling crack cocaine and heroin.
Three days after the attack, Sukaitis surrendered to police but was released on bail during ongoing investigations.
He was eventually detained at Gatwick Airport attempting to travel to Norway and was charged a month later.
Detective Sergeant Megan Scotney, leading the investigation, commented on the case stating Sukaitis discharged a firearm in a public place and showed a disregard for others’ safety:
“I have no doubt that Sukaitis’ intention was to kill his teenage victim, and it was extremely fortunate that the firearm jammed as he attempted to shoot the boy at point blank range. If it hadn't, he would have been facing a murder charge.
“Fortunately, the use of firearms remains rare within our communities but, tackling serious violence remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police and I am grateful to the jury for returning a guilty verdict and ensuring justice has been served.”
Sukaitis, of Chaucer Close in Corby, is set to be sentenced at Northampton Crown Court on 18th September.