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Man claims microchip defense in girl's murder trial
29 Jan
Summary
- A psychiatrist stated the defendant had diminished responsibility.
- The accused claimed a microchip controlled his actions.
- He also told guards he was a vampire and drank his own blood.
Deividas Skebas, 26, stands accused of stabbing nine-year-old Lilia Valutyte to death on July 28, 2022, as she played outside a shop in Boston, Lincolnshire. Skebas admits to the killing but denies murder, asserting a defense of diminished responsibility.
A forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Ian Cumming, testified for the defense, stating his professional opinion that Skebas meets the criteria for diminished responsibility. During police interviews, Skebas claimed he was "controlled" by a microchip he believed was implanted in Norway.
He also expressed beliefs about his actions, telling an officer, "That fun went to murder." Skebas further reported these experiences to his mother and ex-girlfriend. He claimed no prior knowledge of Lilia and intended to return to Lithuania.
After being moved to a high-security jail, Skebas reiterated his claims. A psychiatrist there concluded he was psychotic. The court also saw footage of Skebas bleeding and drinking his own blood, telling guards he was a vampire after being stabbed by another inmate in August 2022.
The prosecution contends that the killing was deliberate and planned, rejecting Skebas's defense. The trial is ongoing.
