Mum of Liverpool murder victim says his birthday is an 'unbearable reminder that he was stolen from us'
Police are still appealing for information on the murder of Sam Rimmer.
Last updated 6th Jan 2023
The mother of a man who was one of three people fatally shot within a week in Liverpool last summer has paid tribute to him on what would have been his 23rd birthday.
Police are continuing to appeal for information on the death of Sam Rimmer, who was fatally injured when shots were fired at his group of friends by people on electric bikes in Lavrock Bank, Dingle, on August 16 last year.
So far four people have been arrested and are on police bail.
Within a week of his death, police in the city were also investigating the murders of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, shot in her home in Dovecot on August 22, and Ashley Dale, 28, who was found with a gunshot wound in the back yard of her Old Swan home on August 21.
The mum of Sam Rimmer has paid tribute to her son on the day they both shared their birthdays:
"Every birthday Sam would say ‘happy birthday Mumzy’ and it breaks my heart to know I will never hear those words again."
"Sam was funny, caring and loyal. He was the life and soul of every party and his laugh was infectious. His birthday is an unbearable reminder that Sam was cruelly stolen from us and we will never hear him laugh again."
"This month Sam was due to be a father and he was so excited about having a baby boy. It brings the family comfort that a part of Sam will live on, however, the devastating reality is baby Sam will never feel his dads’ arms around him or know how it feels to hear his dad’s laughter."
"Love always your devastated and broken-hearted family."
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, said:
"Our most sincere thoughts and condolences are with Sam’s family and friends on what should have been his 23rd Birthday. A day of celebration that he also shared with his mum. We know this will be a difficult time for them as they start a new year without him.
“Although we have made several arrests across Liverpool since the murder of Sam Rimmer we know there’s more to be done and our enquiries remain ongoing.
“It is vital that anyone who was the area of Lavrock Bank, at about 11.40pm on Tuesday 16 August comes forward with any information or footage that could help our investigation.
“Our detectives will review any information you share with us so please look back to that night and contact us immediately if you remember anything that could help us bring justice for Sam’s family.
"Please don’t assume we already have this information or guess how significant it might be. Our detectives will assess this and do all we can to trace any suspects.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting 22000603397