£20,000 reward offered to help catch Carl Russell's killer

Carl Russell was on day release when he was fatally shot by a cyclist five years ago.

The 27-year-old, who was serving a sentence at the open prison in Appleton Thorn at the time of his death, was getting out of a car with his girlfriend to visit his parents when the incident happened in Belle Vale, Liverpool, on October 7, 2018.

Since he was killed, three people have been arrested. However, no one has ever been charged with his murder.

On the fifth anniversary of his murder, Crimestoppers are now offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest, charge, and conviction of anyone for Carl’s death.

Merseyside Police previously released a CCTV image of a male on a pedal bike who they are still keen to talk to as they believe he could have information to help the investigation.

Detective chief inspector Jason Pye, who is leading the investigation, is still keen to hear from anyone who has yet to come forward, but understands that some people will prefer to stay anonymous and share what they know via the charity Crimestoppers, especially as they may be eligible for a substantial reward.

DCI Pye said: "In the last five years we have made a number of arrests, but I am still very keen to talk to anyone who was around at the time of the shooting.

“This incident happened in broad daylight at around 11.30am on a Sunday when there would have been people around.

“Over the years, allegiances can change and hopefully a £20,000 reward from Crimestoppers will be a strong incentive for anyone with information to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to speak to a male wearing high-vis clothing and riding a bike who was seen in the area at the time of the shooting. He is described as white, in his late 20s at the time, of medium build, dressed all in black and wearing a high-vis orange jacket, which was dark blue at the bottom and had a reflective band.

“Do you know who this man is? We believe he could have vital information which could assist our investigation and I would urge anyone who recognises him – or the man himself – to do the right thing and come forward.

“We are also keen to trace the driver of a white 53 plate Nissan Primestar van, which was on the estate at the time of Carl’s murder.

“We are also trying to trace a taxi driver who may have overheard a conversation, that same day, about a van being involved.

"Five years on, Carl's family and friends are still dealing with Carl’s loss and I can’t begin to imagine what they have had to go through. We have a specially trained officer who continues to support them.”

Gary Murray, north west regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers said: “We know how difficult it can be for people to speak up and pass on what they know, which is why Crimestoppers exists.

“Our charity, which is completely independent of the police, has always kept our guarantee of 100 per cent anonymity to everyone who contacts us.

“That means no police, no courts, no witness statements. Essentially, when you contact Crimestoppers via our website or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, once you’re done there is no comeback.

“No one will ever know you contacted us and your information could protect Liverpool from more harm and help the family and friends of Carl see justice.”

Carl’s family, including his mum, sister and two brothers, have issued tributes.

His mum Marie said how her whole world fell apart when she received the phone call that her son had been murdered.

She said: “Carl loved his family so much. Family life meant everything to Carl.

“My heart was ripped out that day. The emptiness and pain I feel every day. There is a big hole in my heart and it will never be filled again.

“It’s been five years, but it just feels like yesterday. It doesn’t get any easier. I feel it gets harder.

“I have an emptiness inside me due to Carl’s death that will haunt me every day for the rest of my life. My husband and myself just exist now. I look at Carl’s brothers and sister and I can see the impact it has on them. No parent should have to bury their child. The trauma of losing Carl has left us all with PTSD.

“I can’t find the words to say how we are, except that we are all devastated and that we are appealing for anyone with information on the murder of Carl to come forward. Someone out there knows who has done this. We would like to thank Merseyside Police.”

Detective Chief Inspector Pye added: “I want to reassure Carl’s family that Merseyside Police will not give up until those responsible are put before the courts.

“If anyone has any information to help the ongoing investigation, I urge them to please come forward as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information can contact Merseyside Police via 101, our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook.

Alternatively, to stay completely anonymous and be eligible for the £20,000 reward, contact independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in their simple and secure anonymous online form. The charity’s UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 where you can speak to one of their specially trained call agents.