WESTMONT

WHEATON - DuPage County State’s Attorney Joe Birkett announced today that Lewis J. Watson, 23 (d.o.b. 02/7/1985) of 6706 Vail, Westmont, has entered a blind plea of guilty to one count of Second Degree Murder in connection with the stabbing death of 22 year-old Paulius Liandsbergas, also of Westmont.  Watson, whose trial was scheduled to begin next month, entered his plea in front of Judge Kathryn Creswell this morning.

Today’s plea is the result of allegations that on September 10, 2005, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Watson, who was armed with a knife, left his apartment to investigate a disturbance in the apartment complex parking lot involving some friends of his.  Once in the parking lot, Watson encountered Liandsbergas and words were exchanged between the two men.  Watson then pulled a knife, stabbed Liandsbergas and then returned to his apartment.  Liandsbergas died on September 13, 2005 as a result of the stab wound he received from Watson. 

“Nearly two and one half years ago, Lewis Watson stabbed Paulius Liandsbergas in the parking lot of the apartment complex where both of the men lived,” remarked Birkett.  “Two days later, Mr. Liandsbergas passed away as a result of this attack.  This senseless violence has got to stop.  One man lost his life and one man lost his future all because they let anger get the better of them.   Had Mr. Watson walked away before things got out of control, Mr. Liandsbergas would be alive today and Mr. Watson would be a free man.”

While probationable, Second Degree Murder carries a sentence of 4-20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.  Watson’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 11 for sentencing.

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