Thomas Cashman: Man held for murder of little Olivia Pratt-Korbel also charged for 2 other heinous crimes
DOVECOT, LIVERPOOL: Police have charged Thomas Cashman, 34, with the murder of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 9, in Liverpool following a six-week manhunt. Olivia died at her Liverpool home on the night of August 22, 2022, after being shot by the gun-toting gangster. It was an ordinary day for Cheryl Korbel, 46, and her three children at their terraced house on Kingsheath Avenue, Liverpool. However, a gangland confrontation that had flared up just around 100 yards along the road near the corner of Finch Lane changed their lives forever. The fight led to the tragic death of Olivia.
A gunman attacked two men walking along Kingsheath Avenue from Finch Lane in a black balaclava, a black padded jacket, black trousers, and black gloves, the Daily Mail reported. Police obtained CCTV footage showing the men running for their lives as the gunman began shooting. Hearing all the noise, Olivia's mother opened the front door of their house to investigate the commotion.
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Seeing the door open, one of the fleeing men, former heroin dealer Joseph Nee, hurled himself at it to seek refuge. Nee forced his way into their home and despite Korbel's desperate attempt at slamming the door shut, the gunman managed to get a hand through the door. Olivia was standing directly behind her mother at the foot of the stairs. "A shot has been fired, which we believe has hit Cheryl, injuring her, and then fatally wounding Olivia," Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said.
Merseyside police arrested the 34-year-old suspect on Thursday, September 29, for Olivia's murder. Cashman was later charged with her killing during a press briefing from their Rose Hill headquarters on Cazneau Street. Not much is known about Cashman except that he has also been charged with the attempted murder of Cheryl Korbel and Joseph Nee, and possessing firearms, according to The Sun.
Paul Russell, 40, was charged with assisting an offender. A total of 10 arrests have been made in connection to the killing. However, the previous nine were bailed and not charged.
"Our work continues in earnest," Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen said. "At the beginning of the investigation, we were firm in our commitment to finding all of those involved in this case, which includes the people who have tried to shield and protect individuals, and those who have supplied the weapon or are hiding the weapons used in this incident," he added.
"We have had an overwhelming response and support from the public since the tragic murder of Olivia and I would ask for your continued support so we can keep the promise we made to Olivia’s family and the local community to ensure that those involved face justice," he further said.
Anyone with information regarding the case has been urged to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111. "If you have any CCTV/dashcam/smart doorbell footage that could help our inquiries they can be downloaded on the dedicated public portal for Olivia's murder, which will go straight through to the investigation team. Footage can be submitted here," Kameen said. "Finally, our thoughts today are with Olivia’s Mum and Dad, Cheryl and John Francis, and their families, who throughout the last few weeks have shown incredible strength, courage, and dignity."