Police are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, charge, and conviction of whoever killed prisoner Carl Russell, 27, in Belle Vale, Liverpool, five years ago. Russell, who had survived a previous attempt on his life, was fatally shot by a cyclist as he got out of a car with his girlfriend when he was on day release from prison in 2018. No charges were brought against the three people who were arrested. At the time of his death, Russell was serving a sentence at HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington, Cheshire, but the police did not disclose his offense(s).
The police want to hear from anyone who might have information about the man seen riding a bicycle in a high-visibility orange jacket who was in the area at that time. The cyclist is described as white, in his late twenties, and of medium build, with black clothing beneath his jacket. The police also want to trace the driver of a white 53-plate Nissan Primastar van and a taxi driver who may have overheard a conversation on the day about a van being involved.
Russell’s family is urging anyone with information to come forward. “For us, the one thing that’s never truly sat right is the planning shown in this murder,” Russell’s brother Chris said. “My heart was ripped out that day,” said Russell’s mother, Marie. “They have lost their love and enjoyment of life, and nothing will ever make them whole again.”
Merseyside Police have not given up the pursuit of justice for Russell. The charity Crimestoppers promises informants complete confidentiality.
Det Ch Insp Jason Pye asked anyone with any information to come forward urgently. “I want to reassure Carl’s family,” he said, “that Merseyside Police will not give up until those responsible are put before the courts.
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