NASA Delusion Killer Stabs Hula Hoop Girl, 9, in Heart in Lincolnshire Horror
A twisted murderer who stabbed a defenceless nine-year-old girl in the heart as she played with a hula hoop believed at the time that he was being controlled by NASA. Deividas Skebas, a 26-year-old Lithuanian national, attacked young Lilia Valutyte in a broad daylight horror incident in the centre of Boston, Lincolnshire.
Horrific Attack in Broad Daylight
The shocking crime occurred on July 28, 2022, when Lilia was playing in the street outside her mother's embroidery shop. Skebas, described as schizophrenic and "obviously deluded" by the court, plunged a Sabatier paring knife into her heart. He had purchased the knife from a Wilko shop just two days prior to the attack.
Prosecutors argued that the murder required extensive planning and premeditation. Christopher Donnellan KC told jurors that Skebas murdered his "particularly vulnerable victim" after a "degree of planning or premeditation." The court heard that Skebas had prowled around the area until it was quiet before carrying out the fatal stabbing.
NASA Delusion and Attempted Escape
In a bizarre twist, the court heard that Skebas asked police to contact NASA after the killing, convinced that his "controller" at the agency could resurrect Lilia if they did so. This delusion was central to his defence, with barrister Andrew Campbell-Tiech KC telling the jury he was "quite obviously deluded."
Following the murder, Skebas shaved his beard, hid the knife behind a radiator, and prepared to flee the country on a bus to his native Lithuania. He was arrested two days after the attack but was transported to hospital when authorities found his mental health was "declining."
Life Sentence and Family Trauma
Skebas was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 25 years at Lincoln Crown Court. Appearing by video-link from high security facility Rampton Hospital in Nottinghamshire, he showed no reaction as Mr Justice Choudhury delivered the sentence.
The judge described Lilia as a "happy, lively girl" who was killed in a "shocking and horrific act of violence" nearly four years ago. He added: "She should have been safe. She was playing in a pedestrianised area and just yards away from her mum."
Family's Heartbreaking Statements
In a harrowing victim statement, Lilia's mother Lina Savickiene said the family was left asking "why us?" following the chilling murder. She stated: "This is not something you recover from. Sometimes terrifying thoughts overwhelm the mind and during this trial there have been many, many more. Why her? Why us? The questions remain unanswered."
Lilia's stepfather Aurelijus Savickas remembered her as a highly creative child with a "beautiful soul with a growing character and strong personality." He shared: "She loved drawing and painting. Every time we moved into a new home, she always had at least one wall in her bedroom where she could paint freely. That was her special place — where her imagination lived."
Legal Proceedings and Future
Skebas' defence barrister Andrew Campbell-Tiech KC acknowledged that the disturbed killer was, and continues to be, dangerous "not merely to himself but in the absence of medication… a danger to others." Prosecutors maintained that Skebas carried out a "deliberate murder" he dubbed a "wicked act," adding: "He knew his conduct was wrong. He knew he was killing a child."
With time already spent in custody, Skebas will be eligible for release after 21 years and 156 days. Once eligible, the Parole Board will decide whether he is fit to be released or should continue to be held in hospital.
