A man has been found guilty of murdering a nine-year-old girl who was stabbed while playing in the street in Boston, Lincolnshire.
A jury at Lincoln Crown Court convicted Deividas Skebas, 26, of murdering Lilia Valutyte in a random attack on 28 July 2022.
Skebas admitted killing Lilia but denied murder, arguing that his responsibility was diminished due to his mental state. The jury rejected his defence and returned an 11–1 majority verdict after more than seven hours of deliberations.
The court heard that Lilia had been playing with a hula hoop outside her mother’s shop on Fountain Lane when Skebas approached and stabbed her once in the chest shortly after 18:20 BST.
Her mother, Lina Savicke, ran to the scene after hearing her daughter call her name and held her as she collapsed.
Despite efforts by an off-duty police officer, paramedics and hospital staff, Lilia died within an hour of the attack.
Skebas, who had no prior connection to the victim, was arrested at his home two days later. Police recovered a paring knife he had recently bought, which was found hidden behind a radiator.
In the months after the killing, Skebas was found unfit to stand trial and was transferred to Rampton Hospital. In July 2023, a jury ruled that he had carried out the act of killing.
Following improvements in his mental health, he was later deemed fit to face a full murder trial.
During proceedings, three psychiatrists told the court Skebas had schizophrenia and was experiencing symptoms of psychosis at the time of the attack. Prosecutors argued that the killing was deliberate and planned.
Prosecutor Christopher Donnellan KC described the attack as a “wicked act” and said Skebas knew he was killing a child.
Skebas appeared via video link from Rampton Hospital for the verdict and showed no visible reaction. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 25 February.
In a statement read to the court, Lilia’s stepfather Aurelijus Savickas spoke of his close relationship with her and described her as a “beautiful soul”.
Mr Justice Siddharth Choudhury excused the jury from further service for ten years, acknowledging the emotional impact of the case.
Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Lovett of Lincolnshire Police said the investigation had taken more than three years and was one of the force’s most high-profile cases.
She said officers recognised how difficult the long process had been for Lilia’s family.