A man has been found guilty of murdering nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte, who was stabbed to death while playing outside a shop in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Deividas Skebas attacked Lilia on 28 July 2022 outside the premises where her mother was working. The 26-year-old admitted killing the child but denied murder, claiming his responsibility was diminished by his mental state.
Following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court, the jury rejected that defence and convicted Skebas of murder.
During the trial, jurors heard that Skebas had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was experiencing symptoms of psychosis around the time of the killing. Three psychiatrists assessed him and produced a joint report, agreeing he was mentally unwell on the day Lilia died.
However, the prosecution argued that despite his mental illness, Skebas was still capable of forming a rational judgement and that the attack was deliberate. The court was shown CCTV footage of Skebas making repeated visits to Fountain Lane in the hour before the stabbing, where Lilia was playing with another child. Prosecutors said this showed he was “prowling” the area and waiting for the street to become quiet.
The jury also heard that Skebas had bought the knife used in the attack from a local Wilko store two days earlier. Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC argued this was further evidence of planning, and asked jurors to consider why Skebas ignored other people in the area before targeting the child.
Medical evidence was also presented to the court. Senior clinician Laura Cross told the jury she visited Skebas in custody shortly after the killing and initially found him calm and composed, making good eye contact, with no obvious signs of psychosis. She said his demeanour only changed when she told him a child had been harmed.
The defence maintained that Skebas’s mental state substantially impaired his responsibility, pointing to his long-standing mental illness and claims he had been experiencing delusional beliefs, including thinking he was being controlled by a microchip.
In his summing up, the judge told jurors to put emotion to one side and focus solely on the evidence before reaching their verdict.
Skebas, formerly of Thorold Street, Boston, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date.
He appeared via video link from Rampton Hospital to hear the verdict and was seen staring straight ahead, showing no visible reaction as the decision was delivered.
Lilia’s mum Lina Savickiene said: “The decision will not change our lives. Nothing will bring our child back, the pain will not disappear, and the tears shed will not wash it away. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank those who were not afraid to stand by us and support our family during the hardest time. No matter how strong we may appear, there are moments when all we need is to know that we are needed and not alone. Your presence meant more than words can express.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt said: “Lilia Valutyte was a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her indeed on Monday 2nd February it should have been her 13th birthday. She was dearly loved by her family and friends and did not deserve to lose her life.
Those who knew her will forever mourn the loss of her future and the impact of her tragic death can still be felt in our community today.
“On July 28, 2022, Deividas Skebas performed an unspeakable act.
“Today is about justice for Lilia, her family and those who knew her.
“I would like to pay tribute to Lilia’s family and friends who have shown remarkable strength, dignity, patience and understanding throughout this investigation.
“We ask the media to respect their privacy as they process the events of this week’s proceedings.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community in Boston for all of their help and support throughout this investigation.
“There was clear evidence that after Skebas killed Lilia, he made preparations to leave the country. I would like to thank those who provided the information following the media appeal that led to him being arrested before he could leave.”
“We will never forget Lilia and she will never be far from our thoughts.”
Skebas, formerly of Thorold Street, Boston, was remanded in custody. He will be sentenced on 25 February.
