Man Found Guilty of Murdering Nine-Year-Old Girl
Deividas Skebas, a 26-year-old man, has been declared guilty of the murder of nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte, who was fatally stabbed while playing near her mother’s embroidery shop in Boston, Lincolnshire on 28 July 2022. Despite having previously claimed he was not guilty of murder, he admitted to manslaughter due to diminished responsibility.
Incident Details
During the tragic incident, Lilia was playing with a hula hoop outside the shop when Skebas attacked her, stabbing her in the heart. Lilia’s mother, Lina Savickiene, discovered her child critically injured and initially thought that the hula hoop might have caused the distress. In a desperate attempt to save her daughter, she called for help while trying to treat her wounds, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.
Trial Proceedings
Skebas, who recently returned to the UK from Lithuania, had been previously assessed as mentally unfit to stand trial in 2023. However, this determination was reversed in spring 2025, leading to the criminal proceedings that took place at Lincoln Crown Court. Although it was not disputed that he had killed Lilia, the jury was tasked with evaluating his mental state at the time of the attack.
Prosecutors argued that Skebas was aware of his actions during the stabbing and attempted to evade capture after the incident. Opening the case, Christopher Donnellan KC described the murder as a “wicked act,” asserting that Skebas understood the wrongness of his actions. Surveillance footage showed him purchasing the knife two days prior to the attack and roaming the area before the fatal confrontation.
Evidence and Sentencing
CCTV evidence was deemed crucial in establishing that his judgment was not impaired at the time of the murder. Following the attack, Skebas reportedly altered his appearance by shaving his beard and made arrangements to flee the UK by soliciting funds from family members.
After more than seven hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty with an 11-1 majority. Skebas is scheduled to be sentenced on 25 February.
Family Reaction
In her statement, Lilia’s mother expressed the profound impact of the loss, stating, “This is not something you recover from.” She conveyed a sense of ongoing grief and confusion, questioning why such a tragedy befell her family. Lilia’s stepfather, Aurelijus Savickas, remembered her as a “beautiful soul” whose memory would always be cherished.
Background
This heartbreaking case has drawn significant attention in the UK, highlighting issues of mental health and public safety. The loss of a young life in such a tragic manner raises critical questions about societal protections for children and the resources available for individuals facing mental health challenges. Lilia Valutyte would have celebrated her 13th birthday this week, marking an especially poignant moment for her grieving family.
Source: Original Article
