Full Breakdown
Deividas Skebas Sentenced for the Murder of Lilia Valutyte
2/25/2026, 9:34:25 PM
Overview of the Crime
On July 28, 2022, Deividas Skebas, a 26-year-old Lithuanian national, murdered nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte in Boston, Lincolnshire, while she was playing with a hula hoop outside her mother’s embroidery shop. Skebas stabbed Lilia in the heart using a Sabatier paring knife he had purchased two days prior. The attack occurred in a pedestrianized area, just yards from her mother, who discovered Lilia covered in blood shortly after the incident.
Trial and Sentencing
Skebas was convicted of murder by a jury at Lincoln Crown Court on February 5, 2023, after initially pleading guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The jury deliberated for over seven hours before reaching an 11-to-one verdict. During the trial, it was established that Skebas had a history of schizophrenia and had been using drugs, including cannabis and amphetamines, which could have exacerbated his mental health issues.
In his sentencing remarks, Mr. Justice Choudhury described the act as “shocking and horrific,” emphasizing Lilia's vulnerability as a child. He sentenced Skebas to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years, noting the degree of planning involved in the murder, as Skebas had been seen prowling the area before the attack.
Mental Health Considerations
Skebas had been deemed unfit to stand trial shortly after the murder due to his declining mental health, which led to his transfer to Rampton Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility. However, following an improvement in his condition, he was deemed fit to face trial. During police interviews, Skebas exhibited delusional beliefs, claiming he was controlled by NASA and had the power to resurrect Lilia.
Victim Impact
Lilia's mother, Lina Savickiene, expressed profound grief in a victim impact statement, stating, “This is not something you recover from,” and questioning why such a tragedy had befallen her family. Her husband, Aurelijus Savickas, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the lasting pain of losing a child.
Official Statements
Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC characterized the murder as a “wicked act,” asserting that Skebas was aware of his actions and their consequences. In contrast, Skebas's defense argued for diminished responsibility, citing his mental health issues as a significant factor in the crime.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the defense's position pointed to the premeditated nature of the attack, as evidenced by Skebas's behavior leading up to the stabbing and his attempts to evade capture afterward. The prosecution maintained that the evidence demonstrated a clear intention to kill rather than merely inflict serious harm.
Conclusion
Deividas Skebas's conviction for the murder of Lilia Valutyte highlights the complexities surrounding mental health in criminal cases, particularly when assessing culpability. As he begins his sentence, the community continues to mourn the loss of a young life taken too soon.
