Man Found Guilty of Murder in Shocking Stabbing of Nine-Year-Old Girl
A man who brutally stabbed a nine-year-old girl in the heart as she innocently played with a hula hoop in a street has been convicted of murder following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court. The victim, Lilia Valutyte, was attacked by Deividas Skebas, aged 26, in the town centre of Boston, Lincolnshire, on July 28, 2022.
Details of the Tragic Incident in Boston
Lilia was playing outside her mother's embroidery shop when the fatal assault occurred, shocking the local community and drawing national attention to the case. The Lithuanian defendant had admitted to manslaughter, citing grounds of diminished responsibility, but a jury ultimately found him guilty of the more serious charge of murder on Thursday.
There was no dispute during the trial that Skebas, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, was responsible for killing Lilia. However, the central issue for the jury to determine was his state of mind at the precise moment of the attack, which led to their verdict of murder.
Legal Proceedings and Community Impact
The conviction marks a significant development in a case that has deeply affected the town of Boston, highlighting concerns over public safety and mental health issues in violent crimes. The trial proceedings shed light on the tragic loss of a young life in a seemingly ordinary setting, underscoring the unpredictable nature of such incidents.
This remains a breaking news story, with further updates expected as the legal process continues and the community grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
