Boston - conviction for murder

A man who killed a nine-year-old girl in Boston has been convicted of murder.

Deividas Skebas stood trial this week at Lincoln Crown Court three-and-a-half years after he stabbed 9 year old Lilia Valutyte outside of her mother’s shop on the 28 July 2022.

She had been playing outside with her hula hoop when the attack took place, and she sadly passed away shortly after 7pm later that day.

The 26-year-old, formerly of Thorold Street, Boston, was initially considered unfit to stand due to mental health issues and was instead the subject of a trial of facts in 2023.

It was judged that Skebas was responsible for stabbing Lilia – however, a hearing of this type is not considered a criminal prosecution.

Skebas was given an indefinite hospital order which saw him detained at Rampton Hospital until such a time he was deemed fit to stand trial.

A criminal trial began last week on Monday, 26 January, in which prosecutors argued that at the time of the stabbing Skebas knew what he was doing and took actions to avoid detection.

They said that while the deterioration of his mental health after the incident was genuine, CCTV showed him buying a knife two days before the murder, prowling around the area before he murdered Lilia and then fleeing the scene. Skebas also shaved off his beard after the murder and from the

mobile phone evidence he made arrangements to flee the country.

Skebas was convicted of murder at the conclusion of the trial today, Thursday, 5 February.

It ends a lengthy investigation and court process that has had an enormous emotional impact on Lilia’s family and friends, as well as the wider community in Boston.

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.”

Statement after conviction - Detective Chief Inspector Jen Lovatt

Today, Deividas Skebas has been convicted of murder three-and-a-half years after he stabbed 9 year old Lilia Valutyte outside of her mother’s shop on the 28 July 2022.

Lilia had been playing with her hula hoop outside when the attack took place. She sadly passed away shortly after 7pm later that day.

Skebas was initially considered unfit to stand trial due to mental health issues and instead a trial of the act was held in 2023 where he was found responsible for killing Lilia. He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order until he was deemed well enough to stand trial.

Today’s verdict ends a lengthy investigation and court process that has had an enormous emotional impact on Lilia’s family and friends, as well as the wider community in Boston.

I would like to say a few words on behalf of Lina who is Lilia’s mother:

“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.”

Lilia 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 she 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.

Skebas performed an unspeakable act.

I would like to pay tribute to Lilia’s parents who have shown remarkable strength, dignity, patience and understanding throughout this investigation.

We ask the media to respect the family’s privacy as they process the events of the court 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.

Below, members of the press can download CCTV footage, which was shown in open court. The faces of some people have been blurred to protect their identity.