03/09/2007

Police Appeal To Rhys' Killer

Police investigating the murder of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have made a direct appeal to his killer to turn himself in.

Speaking at a community vigil for the eleven-year-old at Liverpool's Croxteth Hall and Country Park on Sunday, PC Robbie Pritchard said: "I ask you, the person who fired the gun, and you, the people who know what happened that night - how can you look at yourself in the mirror for the rest of your life knowing what you have done?"

Rhys' parents, Stephen and Melanie Jones, and his 17-year-old brother Owen, attended the vigil and lit a candle in memory of Rhys.

One of Rhys' friends, nine-year-old Lewis Ainscough, also said a prayer at the event.

Hundreds of people braved heavy rain to attend Sunday's vigil, many dressed in the colours of Liverpool and Everton football clubs in order to show unity for Rhys, who was an Everton supporter.

Rhys was shot by a hooded youth on a BMX bicycle as he played football with his friends in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth on August 22.

Sixteen people have been arrested in connection with the murder, with eleven released on police bail and five released without charge.

His killer is described as a white boy, aged around 13 to 15 years of age, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hoodie top with a peak, and white trainers. He was also riding a black BMX-style bike.

(KMcA/SP)

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28 August 2007
Rhys' Parents Plea To Killer
The parents of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have appealed for his killer to turn himself in to police. Melanie and Stephen Jones have also pleaded for the killer's parents to come forward. Speaking to reporters, Mrs Jones said: "What kind of people are they? They must know it's their kid.
17 November 2008
Rhys Jones Accused Declines To Give Evidence
The alleged killer of murdered schoolboy Rhys Jones, will not be giving evidence in his own defence, a court has heard. Sean Mercer, 18, has declined to offer any evidence, his barrister, Richard Pratt QC, told Liverpool Crown Court.
01 April 2009
Rhys Killer's Mother Jailed For Three Years
The mother of the teenager convicted of murdering Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones, has been jailed for three years. Janette Mercer, 49, admitted perverting the course of justice at Liverpool Crown Court in February.
24 August 2007
Search Continues For Rhys' Killer
Police are continuing to search for the killer of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones, as it was revealed that they may be as young as 13. Eleven-year-old Rhys was shot by a hooded youth on a BMX bicycle as he played football with his friends in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth in Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
30 August 2007
Teenager Bailed Over Rhys Murder
A 15-year-old boy arrested in connection with the murder of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones has been released on police bail. The teenager was the eleventh person to be arrested in connection with the eleven-year-old's murder. Ten people had previously been arrested in connection with Rhys' murder.