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HE WHOSE NAME SHALL NOT BE SPOKEN: Terrified neighbors refuse to name little Olivia Pratt-Korbel's killer

Olivia was shot on Monday, August 22 when a gunman chasing another man burst into her Liverpool home in a suspected drugs feud

DOVECOT, LIVERPOOL: Investigators have released surveillance video of another man in connection with the fatal shooting of Olivia Pratt-Korbel. Merseyside Police released video of a man wearing a bright jacket who was in the area on the night the nine-year-old was killed. Olivia was shot on Monday, August 22 when a gunman chasing another man burst into her Liverpool home in a suspected drugs feud. Neither had any ties to the family, and the gunman is still on the loose.

Olivia was killed as she stood behind her injured mother, Cheryl, 46. Cheryl is still being treated following the August 22 shooting that shocked the nation. Merseyside police previously released surveillance footage of another suspect wearing a balaclava and black gloves. As he fled, he climbed into people's gardens to avoid being seen. 

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Merseyside police wrote on Twitter, "We need to know who this man is as he was in the area when 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot & killed in her own home in #Liverpool on August 22. Do you know his name? Did you see him? We believe he may have important information that could help us catch her killer." The force later posted footage of the suspect seeking help to identify the man in the footage. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen has warned those protecting the gunman that they will do "everything legitimately possible to bring you to justice." He added, "It is beyond comprehension how anyone can protect a person who is responsible for killing a nine-year-old little girl."

According to Kameen, the investigation had "significantly advanced" and it was thought that the shooter had two weapons when he "callously fled from Olivia's house." He also stated, "I want to know where those guns are now. You may have been told to hide them or dispose of them - I understand you may be frightened of contacting us. But I want you to do the right thing for Olivia and tell us where they are right now." He added, "If you are hiding the guns and you have no intention of telling us, then I place you in the same category as the vile man responsible for the murder. And we will hunt you too," reported Evening Standard.

'It's time to do the right thing'

While several have come forward with information, others seem to be reluctant, either due to misguided loyalty or concern over potential consequences.

"People are frightened to talk," said one woman pushing a pram along the street, with her elderly mother-in-law. Daily Mail reported that the elderly woman, who has spent her entire life on the street, continued, "They are afraid of the repercussions. People are bad enough to shoot anyone if they are bad enough to shoot a little girl." Another resident said the name of the man said to be responsible was being discussed almost immediately after the shooting. She said, "Everyone knows. Everyone was talking about him. It was out before anyone was even arrested. People are wary about coming forward because we all know the family."

Councillor Peter Mitchell, who represents Croxteth ward told the Liverpool Echo, "Is there some reticence from some people to come forward? Of course, there is. They are all scared and are recovering from the news of a child being murdered in her own home. We would all be scared. But everybody around here wants these people found."

Merseyside Police tweeted, "Watch this and if you know something, tell us. And if you don't know something, please share it. Until it reaches the person who does know something. Who does know who killed little #Olivia. And knows it's time to do the right thing."

"Just because we have seen two arrests doesn't mean we need information any less," stated Kameen. "Tell us what you know, directly or anonymously, and let us judge how important that information is. Something you might think inconsequential could prove absolutely pivotal in our work."