Full Breakdown
Trial of Deividas Skebas for the Murder of Lilia Valutyte
2/5/2026, 8:37:17 PM
Overview of the Incident
On July 28, 2022, nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte was fatally stabbed while playing outside a shop in Boston, Lincolnshire, where her mother was working. Deividas Skebas, 26, was arrested two days later at his home, where a paring knife he had purchased was discovered behind a radiator. Skebas admitted to killing Lilia but denied murder, claiming his mental state diminished his responsibility for the act.
Trial Proceedings
The trial of Deividas Skebas commenced with the jury deliberating on the circumstances surrounding Lilia's death. Prosecutors acknowledged Skebas's mental illness but contended that he was capable of rational judgment at the time of the stabbing, which was inflicted with a single blow to Lilia's heart. Mr. Justice Choudhory instructed the jury to remain objective and set aside emotions during their deliberations.
In July 2023, a jury found Skebas guilty of murder by an 11 to one majority verdict after deliberating for over seven hours. The prosecution, led by Christopher Donnellan KC, argued that the act was "deliberate and planned," emphasizing that Skebas was aware he was killing a child. Despite the defense's claims of diminished responsibility due to Skebas's schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms on the day of the incident, the jury ultimately rejected this argument.
Mental Health Considerations
Following the stabbing, Skebas was deemed unfit to stand trial and was transferred to Rampton high-security hospital. His mental health status was a significant aspect of the trial, with three psychiatrists providing a joint report confirming his diagnosis of schizophrenia. However, the prosecution maintained that Skebas's mental condition did not absolve him of responsibility for the murder.
Official Statements & Responses
The prosecution characterized the act as a "wicked act," asserting that Skebas's awareness of his actions was evident. The jury's decision reflected a consensus that, despite Skebas's mental health issues, he was culpable for the murder of Lilia Valutyte.
Criticism & Opposition
There has been a notable discourse surrounding the implications of mental health in criminal cases, particularly in instances of violent crime. Critics argue that the legal system must carefully balance the understanding of mental illness with the need for accountability in cases involving severe offenses like murder.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC told the court it was a "wicked act", adding Skebas knew he was "killing a child".” — Christopher Donnellan KC, Prosecutor
- “Summing up, Mr Justice Choudhory told the jury to set aside emotion when reaching their verdict.” — Mr. Justice Choudhory
What's Next
Following the verdict, discussions regarding the treatment of individuals with mental health issues in the criminal justice system are expected to continue, alongside potential appeals from Skebas's defense team regarding the trial's outcome.
