Court Hears Tragic Details of Nine-Year-Old's Stabbing in Boston Street
A schizophrenic man stabbed a nine-year-old girl through the heart as she played with a hula hoop in a quiet Lincolnshire street, a murder trial has been told. The jury at Lincoln Crown Court heard that Deividas Skebas, 26, killed Lilia Valutyte in what the prosecution described as a wicked act outside a shop in central Boston on 28 July 2022.
Prosecution Outlines Deliberate Attack on Child
Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC told the court that Skebas waited until other pedestrians had moved away before approaching Lilia. His pace quickened as he took a knife from his back pocket and thrust it into the child, with such force that it knocked her backwards against shop shutters. The stab wound penetrated her heart, and Lilia fell to the ground, where she was later pronounced dead within an hour.
An off-duty police officer who witnessed the incident initially gave chase before returning to attempt lifesaving measures on the young girl. Skebas fled the scene but was subsequently arrested.
Defence Claims Diminished Responsibility Due to Mental Illness
While it is not disputed that Skebas carried out the fatal stabbing, the jury must determine his state of mind at the time. Skebas has pleaded not guilty to murder but admitted manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility. Medical experts agree he has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a condition for which he has received treatment both in the UK and his native Lithuania.
Following his arrest, Skebas made references to NASA and a microchip, claiming a form of control over his actions. He was initially deemed unfit to stand trial due to his declining mental state but is now considered able to participate in proceedings.
Key Evidence Presented to Jury
The court heard that Skebas purchased a Sabatier paring knife from a Wilko store in Boston two days before the attack. Prosecutor Donnellan emphasised to the jury of seven men and five women that despite the tragic nature of the case, they must set aside emotions and focus on the evidence. He knew his conduct was wrong. He knew he was killing a child, Donnellan stated.
Lilia was playing close to where her mother was working at the time of the attack. The trial continues as the jury deliberates on whether Skebas's mental health significantly impaired his responsibility for the killing.
