Full Breakdown
Deividas Skebas Found Guilty of Murdering Nine-Year-Old Lilia Valutyte
2/5/2026, 9:36:28 PM
Overview of the Case
Deividas Skebas, a 26-year-old Lithuanian man, has been found guilty of murdering nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte in Boston, Lincolnshire, on July 28, 2022. The jury at Lincoln Crown Court reached a verdict after deliberating for over seven hours, concluding that Skebas deliberately stabbed Lilia through the heart while she was playing outside her mother’s embroidery shop. Skebas, who had entered the UK legally just three weeks prior to the incident, was working as a fruit picker at the time of the attack.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of the murder, Lilia was playing with a hula hoop when Skebas approached her and inflicted a fatal stab wound. Pathologist Dr. Stuart Hamilton testified that the knife had penetrated her heart, leading to severe internal bleeding. Lilia collapsed in her mother Lina Savickiene's arms shortly after the attack. Despite immediate assistance from an off-duty police officer, Lilia was pronounced dead shortly after 7 PM.
Mental Health Considerations
Skebas' defense argued that his mental health issues, including schizophrenia, impaired his understanding of his actions. He had previously been deemed unfit to stand trial due to his mental state but was later found fit for trial following an improvement in his condition. During the trial, Skebas claimed he believed he had the power to resurrect Lilia, a statement that raised concerns about his mental health at the time of the attack.
Prosecution's Argument
The prosecution characterized the murder as a "wicked act," asserting that Skebas was aware of the severity of his actions. Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC emphasized that Skebas had planned the attack, noting his behavior leading up to the stabbing, including purchasing a knife two days prior and circling the area multiple times before the incident. The jury ultimately found Skebas guilty of murder by an 11-1 majority.
Victim Impact Statements
Following the verdict, Lilia's family expressed their profound grief. In a victim impact statement, her mother, Lina Savickiene, articulated the lasting pain of their loss, stating, “This is not something you recover from.” Lilia's stepfather, Aurelijus Savickas, described her as having a "beautiful soul" and shared the heartbreak of their final moments together.
Official Statements & Community Response
In the aftermath of the trial, Det Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt remarked on the tragedy of Lilia's death, highlighting the community's ongoing mourning. The local community in Boston has been supportive throughout the investigation, with many residents expressing their sorrow over the loss of a young life. Lilia would have turned 13 on February 2, just days before the verdict was announced.
What's Next
Deividas Skebas is scheduled to be sentenced on February 25, 2026. The court's decision will determine the legal consequences of his actions, which have left a lasting impact on Lilia's family and the community.
Verbatim Quotes
- “this deliberate murder was clearly a wicked act” — Christopher Donnellan KC, Prosecutor
- “sometimes terrifying thoughts overwhelm the mind and during this trial there have been many, many more. Why her? Why us? The questions remain unanswered.” — Lina Savickiene, Lilia's Mother
- “Lilia, you will forever live in our hearts. You are forever loved, forever missed.” — Aurelijus Savickas, Lilia's Stepfather
- “On July 28, 2022, Deividas Skebas performed an unspeakable act.” — Det Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovatt
