Four years after Sam Rimmer was shot dead in Dingle, the detective leading the investigation has said he believes one of the ten people arrested for the murder pulled the trigger, but no one has been charged.
Murder investigation continues
Sam Rimmer, 22, a dad-to-be, was standing with friends on Lavrock Bank in Dingle on August 16, 2022, when riders on two electric bikes drove into the cul-de-sac and fired shots. He was hit by one of eight bullets fired from a Skorpion submachine gun and died in hospital.
Merseyside Police's senior investigating officer told the ECHO on the second anniversary of the murder: "I am very confident one of those 10 people we have arrested was the one who pulled the trigger." Despite this, and regular appeals by Mr Rimmer's mum Joanne, the men who rode into the close and opened fire have never been brought to justice.
Appeal for information
This week, a black banner with the phrase "silence is not an option" was set up by the Lifestyles gym on Park Road to remind the community to provide answers for Mr Rimmer's family.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, leading the investigation, said: "Today marks four years since Sam was murdered and I can only imagine how difficult this occasion must be for his family and friends. I want to reassure them, and the wider community in Dingle, that we are still just as determined to find the people responsible as we were four years ago."
He added: "As part of our investigation we have made a number of arrests and received a lot of information from the public. We just need the final piece of the puzzle. I'd like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who holds any information whatsoever to get in touch."
Background and reward
Police believe Mr Rimmer, from Bootle, had no involvement in criminality and was visiting friends at an address on the night of his murder. The shooting came against the backdrop of a gang-related dispute in Dingle. Det Chf Insp McGrath previously said: "This involved violence between individuals involved in localised drug dealing. We believe this might be part of that. Sam was of good character. Some of his associates are on the periphery of criminality and that's why we believe this has happened."
Charity Crimestoppers has extended a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the conviction of anyone involved in the murder. Pamela Tompsett, north west regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: "It's now four years on from Sam's tragic murder, his family and friends are still waiting for answers and justice."
In a previous interview, Sam's mum said: "My appeal is to the people who know who killed Sam. If you know something and you are reading this, please, please speak up. No one will ever know as it will be completely anonymous. Sam was shot in his back. He was turned away from his killers. This image haunts me. In his final moments, was he scared? Was he in pain? I died the day Sam did. I function but I do not live."
Mr Rimmer was one of three gun fatalities during a devastating week in Merseyside that also saw the deaths of Ashley Dale and Olivia Pratt-Korbel. By the end of 2022, innocent Elle Edwards and Jackie Rutter had also been murdered with firearms. Mr Rimmer's case is the only one from that year yet to yield a charge and conviction.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website or by calling 101." Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
