Parents' tribute to Lilia's 'beautiful soul'

The parents of a murdered girl have paid tribute to their daughter's "beautiful soul with a strong character".

Lilia Valutyte was playing outside a shop where her mother was working in Boston, Lincolnshire, when she was stabbed to death by Deividas Skebas on 28 July 2022.

Skebas was convicted of her murder after a trial at Lincoln Crown Court.

Lilia's mother Lina Savicke said the family had a statue of Lilia at their home "capturing her final minutes, playing with a hula hoop".

"Tears and pain cannot wash away everything we feel," she said.

"It is deeply painful to live through something whose consequences someone never truly thought through."

Lina said a memorial bench and a mosaic in Lilia's memory had been installed in Boston.

"Sometimes terrifying thoughts overwhelm the mind", Lina said.

"Yet, as a family, we stand strong, supporting each other through every low point and every wound.

"Simply tired of tears. Of constant overthinking. The child will not return. Why her? Why us?

"These questions remain unanswered."

Skebas, 26, formerly of Thorold Street, Boston, admitted killing Lilia but denied her murder, claiming his responsibility was diminished by his mental state.

The jury rejected his defence and found him guilty.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 25 February.

Lilia's stepfather Aurelijus Savickas said when he dropped Lilia off outside her mother's store on the day of the killing she hugged him and said have a good day.

"That hug and kiss became our last moments together," he said.

"I have attended many funerals in my life, but nothing prepared me for losing a child.

"There are no words to describe that pain. It left scars on our hearts that will never fully heal."

He added: "Some emotions fade with time, but the memories remain, and the love never disappears."

"She was a beautiful soul with a strong character and strong personality.

"Lilia, you will always live in our hearts. You are forever loved."

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