Deividas Skebas jailed for minimum of 25 years for murder of Lilia Valutyte in Boston – follow live
Family tributes to a ‘beautiful soul’published at 10:21 GMT
Image source, Lina Savicke
Lilia’s parents described their daughter as having a “beautiful soul with a strong character”.
Her 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.”
Image source, Lina Savicke
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.”
