Fruit picker, 22, in court accused of stabbing Lilia, 9
THE man charged with stabbing a nine-year-old girl to death in a town centre appeared in court yesterday.
Lithuanian national Deividas Skebas, 22, was remanded into custody at Lincoln Crown Court, hours after an initial appearance at the city’s magistrates’ court.
Lilia Valutyte was found with a stab wound outside her mother’s embroidery shop in Boston, Lincolnshire, where she had been playing with her five-yearold sister.
Skebas, a fruit picker, was arrested on Saturday when armed officers surrounded a nearby house – four hours after police issued CCTV images of a suspect seen in the area shortly before the stabbing.
No bail application was made yesterday and the judge adjourned the case for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 19, when a provisional trial date will be fixed. Lilia’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief in a town known for its large Eastern European community.
A family friend described Lilia as ‘a nine-year-old angel’ and ‘one of the most beautiful creatures’, adding: ‘None will feel her mother’s pain. The girl was a ray of the sunlight, just like her parents, who were the main helpers of our community and school events. The pain is unspeakable. We are devastated at this shocking news! Rest in peace, little angel.’
Skebas came from the industrial city of Utena in north-east Lithuania, where members of his family still live. His bedsit overlooking Boston’s Central Park was searched by forensic officers over the weekend.
Chief Superintendent Martyn Parker described Lilia’s murder
as ‘heartbreaking’, adding that the case ‘ has affected many people in Boston, and further afield’.
The officer added: ‘ Our thoughts continue to be with
Lilia’s family at this exceptionally difficult time.’
Lincolnshire Police said last night that Lilia’s parents were being supported by specially trained officers.