The father of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel has pleaded with witnesses to assist police with their investigation as a 36-hour extension for interviewing four suspects begins.
Olivia was shot in the chest on August 22, when a gunman entered her home in Dovecot, Liverpool, while pursuing another man who had broken in through the door.
In a statement, her father, John Francis Pratt, stated, ‘Olivia’s future has been ruthlessly stolen away, and we have lost a true source of light in our lives.’
“We are aware of the extraordinary response to police requests and wish to thank individuals who have come forward.
“At the same time, we want to urge those who may have evidence to continue coming forward with information that could assist put the murderers of Olivia behind prison.
Nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel with her father, John Francis Pratt. Olivia was fatally shot on August 22 by a gunman who broke into her Liverpool house.
Olivia’s father stated that the family had lost a “true source of joy.”
Merseyside Police was given an additional 36 hours to continue questioning suspects Friday night, allowing them to continue detaining a 34-year-old man from Liverpool on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Three further men have been detained on suspicion of helping a criminal.
Her father stated, “Olivia’s death cannot be in vain, and we wish for everyone to feel and be protected.
This is only possible if we all work together to ensure that weapons and gun users have no place on our streets or in our communities.
In the previous two weeks, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our family, friends, and neighbors, and we would want to thank them for being there for us.
“We know that the majority of Merseyside residents are as kind and good-hearted as they are, and we must all stand together.”
Olivia’s death cannot be in vain, and we wish for everyone to feel and be secure.
We don’t want another child to perish in such horrific circumstances, and we don’t want any family to endure what we are experiencing.
Olivia’s family described her as a “real spark” who loved to laugh and make others laugh.
They stated, “Words cannot explain the anguish we feel after Olivia was so viciously taken from us.” Those accountable must be aware of their actions.
The family uploaded a video of the schoolgirl enjoying a ride at a Christmas market with her father.
Olivia was shot in her house at 10 p.m., when a shooter pursued convicted burglar Joseph Nee into the residence.
A chest gunshot wound was determined to be the medical cause of her death after an autopsy.