Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murderer had two guns and was paid to kill rival crime boss, cops say
DOVECOT, LIVERPOOL: Merseyside Authorities have provided further information on the botched gangland hit that resulted in Olivia Pratt-Korbel's murder, despite complaints from residents that there is still an atmosphere of fear that prevents people from communicating with police. The person who killed nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in her Liverpool home was allegedly dispatched there by a gang to eliminate a competitor, according to police looking into the case.
Olivia was shot in the chest as the gunman accidentally fired twice into her family's Merseyside house. Joseph Nee, who was supposed to be his target, stormed the home to get away from the assailant. Moments before, the shooter had fired three rounds at two males, including Nee, 35, using a modified Glock handgun. He then switched to a .38 revolver that was kept in his pant belt, according to The Sunday Times.
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A record £200,000 #reward is now being offered for information that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt Korbel. [1/4] pic.twitter.com/zRMFhO3uqe
— Crimestoppers (@CrimestoppersUK) September 21, 2022
Before killing Olivia, the male shooter wounded her mother Cheryl in the wrist with a round that was fired into her home. The investigation currently involves 50 police officers, and a record-breaking $217,120 reward has been announced for the capture of the murderer. Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said, "Why did he carry two firearms? He was clearly motivated to carry out the act that he was sent to do. This is serious organized crime at its highest level."
Cheryl Korbel remembered how Olivia "touched so many people's hearts and was loved and treasured by everyone" in her eulogy at a crowded church. "I will never say goodbye but what I will say is goodnight, love you, see you in the morning," she said.
Before the service at St Margaret Mary's Church in Dovecot, which is only a few blocks from the scene of the shooting, the neighborhood was silent. In honor of Olivia, mourners were requested to wear "a splash of pink," and her neighborhood school was also decorated in pink. Hundreds congregated on the road outside, along with uniformed police officers.
After her daughter's coffin was brought in a carriage drawn by white horses, Cheryl Korbel, who was also hurt in the shooting, brought a pink bear into the ceremony.
Meanwhile, although nine people have been arrested, her murderer is still at large. The 5ft 7in male wearing a black padded jacket, a black balaclava, and black gloves can be seen fleeing the scene in surveillance footage provided by the police.