A tragic story unfolded on the streets of Boston, Lincolnshire, as nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte lost her life in a senseless act of violence. While playing with her hula hoop outside her mum’s embroidery shop, Lilia was tragically stabbed in the heart by Deividas Skebas. Fast forward, and Deividas, 26, has now been handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years.
The incident occurred on 28th July 2022, shaking the local community to its core. The legal proceedings revealed that Skebas, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed he was under the control of NASA at the time. Despite admitting to manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility, the jury convicted him of murder on 5th February at Lincoln Crown Court.
Appearing via video-link from Rampton Hospital, a high-security facility, Skebas showed no emotion as the sentence was announced. This conviction brings some closure, but the loss of young Lilia is a stark reminder of how precious life truly is.
Stay safe and look out for one another. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight. 💔 #JusticeForLilia #StaySafe