Four individuals detained in connection with the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, age nine, were released on restricted bail after her parents pleaded for her killer to come forward.
The schoolgirl was shot at her house in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22 at approximately 10 p.m., when a gunman pursuing convicted burglar Joseph Nee entered the residence.
A 34-year-old man from Liverpool, a 41-year-old man from Knowsley, and a 29-year-old man were arrested and questioned by police this week on suspicion of assisting a criminal.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in Liverpool on charges of murder and attempted murder.
Today, Merseyside Police reported that four males arrested in connection with the murder had been released on bail pending further investigation.
Olivia’s mother Cheryl Korbel, who was injured in the shooting, paid tribute to her ‘little shadow’ in an emotional video issued by Merseyside Police, in which she demanded that those responsible for her daughter’s death ‘own up’.
Olivia Pratt-Korbel, nine, was shot and killed in her own home in Dovecot, Liverpool, on August 22 when a gun chase spilled into her family’s home.
She wept as she recalled how her daughter never stopped talking and said, “That is what I miss the most, since I can’t hear her talk.”
In the video, Ms. Korbel urged her daughter’s murderer, ‘You know you’ve done wrong, so you must take responsibility.
As I told my children, if you commit an error, you must take responsibility for it.
If someone is hiding these weapons, they must come forward because they must be removed from the streets.
Cheryl Korbel, the mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, appealed with anyone with knowledge on her daughter’s murderer to come forward (pictured with a cast still on her hand)
Cheryl Korbel, the mother of Olivia, was injured in the incident and paid tribute to her “little shadow.”
No one, absolutely no one, should have to endure this.
Ms. Korbel, who was injured during the shooting and was wearing a cast on her wrist, stated that the family had planned days out and a trip to purchase Olivia’s new school uniform before to her death.
She stated, “I did not have the opportunity to go get her school outfit. But I’ll keep going, for Liv.’
Olivia’s father, John Francis Pratt, stated that her ‘death cannot be in vain’ and that they wish for everyone to feel secure.
Olivia’s father, John Francis Pratt, and his extended family issued a sad statement yesterday, stating that words cannot explain the grief they are experiencing after his daughter was ‘brutally abducted’
He stated that individuals guilty must be aware of their actions.
Olivia was a brilliant young lady who knew her own mind, made friends easily (she would talk to anyone), and loved to laugh and make others laugh. Mr. Pratt’s testimony continued, “She was a master at teasing her nieces, especially those who were older than her, and when they didn’t appreciate it, she would simply laugh and say, “Don’t forget I’m your aunty.”
“Olivia’s future has been ruthlessly stolen away, and we have lost a genuine source of light in our lives. We are aware of the extraordinary response to police appeals and would like to express our gratitude to individuals who have come forward. In addition, we want to encourage individuals who may have evidence to continue coming forward with information that could assist put the murderers of Olivia behind prison.
After Olivia’s mother opened the door to investigate the noises outside, 35-year-old Joseph Nee forced his way inside her home to escape the shooter pursuing him.
The love and support we have gotten from family, friends, and neighbors over the past two weeks has been quite overwhelming, and we would want to thank them for being there for us. We know that the majority of Merseyside residents are good-hearted and friendly, just like them, and we must all stand united.
We don’t want another child to perish under such horrifying circumstances, and we don’t want any family to endure what we are experiencing today.
Olivia’s death cannot be in vain, and if we want people to feel and be safe, we must ensure that weapons and those who use them have no place in our streets and neighborhoods.
If you have knowledge, report it to the police, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, anonymously report it to Crimestoppers so that action can be made. If you cannot do it for yourself, do it for Olivia and for the children of Merseyside who deserve to live life to the fullest.’
A chest gunshot wound was determined to be the cause of Olivia’s death after an autopsy.
Merseyside Police issued a statement today stating, “The investigation into Olivia’s horrific murder is ongoing and we still need to create a strong evidentiary picture in order to bring those guilty to justice.”
The police continue to request that anyone with information or CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage contact them.
Anyone with information should direct message @MerPolCC or call 0800 555 111 to reach @CrimestoppersUK.