Plea for information one year after Sam Rimmer shot dead in Dingle
Ten arrests have been made, but no-one has been charged
The mother of Sam Rimmer, who was fatally shot in Dingle, has made an an emotional plea for information one year on from her son's death.
The 22-year-old was with a group of friends on Lavrock Bank at 11:40pm on 16 August 2022 when four males on two electric bikes arrived in the cul-de-sac.
After an apparent altercation, shots were fired towards the group and Sam was hit.
He died a short time later in hospital.
Ten people have been arrested and bailed in relation to the murder of Sam, but no-one has been charged.
His mum, Joanne, has released a video of Sam and his friend David on Sam's last Christmas with his family.
Joanne said:
"Since 16 August 2022, time has stood still. Smiles have disappeared, joy is absent and we live each day with a heavy heart. We just exist.
"My family and I are broken and torn apart by grief. We are unable to move forward in rebuilding our lives without justice for Sam.
"Do the right thing"
"I appeal to anyone who has information that will lead to the conviction of Sam's murderers.
"I am asking you to search your heart and conscience; to speak out and do the right thing.
"You cannot take a life and escape punishment. These people need to pay for mercilessly taking Sam's life.
"They will lose their freedom but their mothers will still be able to see, speak to and hold their sons. I will never see my son, hear his voice or feel his arms hugging me again.
"There are no words to describe the pain of losing a child. I hope no more families have to go through the hell we are living. Please come forward and help bring closure for our family.
"As long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to fight this fight until justice prevails."
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, said:
"One year has passed since the shocking murder of Sam who would have turned 23 last January.
"Sam’s death has had a devastating impact on his family. His mother has provided this video of Sam in the hope that anybody who holds information regarding his murder will come forward and assist Merseyside Police in identifying and prosecuting the offenders. We hope that this will go some small way towards bringing some closure to Sam’s family and help them to move forward.
"Although we have made 10 arrests across Liverpool since the murder our enquiries remain ongoing.
"We believe there are people living in Dingle, Toxteth and the surrounding area who hold vital information that will help us find anyone responsible for Sam’s death.
"We will review any new information you share with us so please contact us immediately if you have anything that could help us bring justice for Sam.
"If you heard anything, witnessed the shooting one year ago on Tuesday 16 August, and saw the bikes involved at around 11.40pm please get in touch.
"Any information passed on to us will be handled with care and sensitivity, and we can put extensive measures in place to protect those brave enough to come forward.
"Our detectives will fully assess your information and do all we can to trace any suspects.
"Please help us give Sam’s family the answers they deserve after such a heart-breaking year without him by reporting any information about that night, no matter how small, to police."
Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 22000603397.
Anyone who saw what happened, was in the area at the time, or has any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police via this link.