Violent Knife Killer Jailed for Life in Tower Hamlets Murder
Aturas Kurpis, 39, of St Anne’s Row, Tower Hamlets, was locked up for life at the Old Bailey on 9 December. He must serve at least 21 years for fatally stabbing Paulius Karalius.
Killer’s Violent Past Laid Bare
Kurpis was convicted on 2 December of murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Detective Chief Inspector Neil John revealed Kurpis’ brutal history. “He is a man with a long record of violence,” John said. “He has served time before for knife offences and assaults.”
In stark contrast, the victim, Paulius Karalius, was described as a man of good character, simply enjoying a night out with his girlfriend.
Drunken Rampage Ends in Tragedy
On 5 November 2021, Kurpis caused a scene at a Leytonstone restaurant, snatching the microphone from a singer and acting aggressively. Paulius and a friend told him to leave, sparking Kurpis’ fury.
Witnesses overheard Kurpis threatening Paulius to stab him during a chilling phone call on speaker. Later, armed with a kitchen knife wrapped in cloth, Kurpis confronted Paulius outside his girlfriend’s home on the same street.
Fatal Stabbing and Furious Aftermath
- Paulius suffered a single stab wound to the chest, hitting his heart.
- He underwent emergency heart surgery but tragically died six days later.
- A post-mortem found his brain was starved of oxygen because of the wound.
Friends wrestled the knife away from Kurpis, who then went back to his flat and called police claiming he was assaulted. Officers followed a blood trail to his door, where they arrested the clearly drunk and belligerent suspect.
The murder weapon was a 35cm Kitchen Devil’s carving knife. Similar knives were found at Kurpis’ home.
Fugitive Killer Busted in Dartford
After his initial arrest, Kurpis was bailed to a hotel in Ilford while his flat was examined for evidence. But when police returned to re-arrest him, he vanished. He was tracked down days later in Dartford and charged with murder.
“Kurpis’ intent was clear. He planned this attack and carried it out with deadly brutality,” said Detective Chief Inspector John. “He’s now behind bars, but nothing eases the pain for Paulius’ family and friends. Knife crime continues to steal good young lives.”
