Man Jailed for Murder of Nine-Year-Old Lilia Valutyte in Lincolnshire

Deividas Skebas, 26, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years for the murder of nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte. The attack occurred on July 28, 2022, in Boston, Lincolnshire, whereas Lilia was playing with a hula hoop outside her mother’s embroidery shop.

Details of the Crime

Lilia Valutyte died from a stab wound to the chest. Skebas attacked Lilia while she played with her younger sister on Fountain Lane. A man was seen on CCTV walking down Wormgate and Fountain Lane five minutes before the attack. The Guardian reported that the murder was described as a “wicked act” by the prosecutor, Christopher Donnellan KC.

The Trial and Verdict

The jury at Lincoln Crown Court found Skebas guilty of murder on February 5, despite his plea of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. BBC News detailed that Skebas, diagnosed with schizophrenia, claimed he was being controlled by NASA.

Skebas’ Background

Skebas, a Lithuanian national born on December 8, 1999, had entered the UK legally three weeks before the murder and was working as a fruit picker. Wikipedia notes he had previously lived in the UK before returning to Lithuania and then re-entering the UK on July 2, 2022. He suffered from a psychiatric illness and schizophrenia and had a history of previous mental illness.

Sentencing and Current Status

On February 25, 2026, Skebas was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. Lincolnshire Police reported that the sentence is a life sentence, with the 25-year minimum term to be served in prison if Skebas’ mental health improves enough for discharge from Rampton Hospital, a high-security psychiatric hospital in Nottinghamshire. He appeared via video link from Rampton Hospital during the sentencing and showed no reaction.

Impact on the Family

Lilia’s mother, Lina Savickiene, shared a victim impact statement expressing the family’s profound grief. The Guardian reported Savickiene stated the grief was “not something you recover from” and questioned why her daughter was targeted.

Lilia Valutyte’s Life

Lilia Valutyte was born on February 2, 2013, at Boston Pilgrim Hospital and lived in Boston, Lincolnshire. She was of Lithuanian origin and had a younger sister. She attended Boston Pioneers Academy and Carlton Road Primary School and enjoyed reading the Harry Potter series. Wikipedia provides details about her background and interests.