Three years after the heartbreaking murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool, her parents have broken their silence to share their enduring pain and demand action against gang violence.
Olivia was fatally shot in her own home in Dovecot, Liverpool, in August 2022, in a case that shocked the nation. The innocent child became an unintended victim of a brutal gang feud that spilled into her family's living room.
A Mother's Unimaginable Loss
Cheryl Korbel, Olivia's mother, recalls the traumatic night with haunting clarity. "I still hear the gunshots," she admits. "No parent should have to cradle their dying child." The family's grief remains raw, their lives forever altered by the senseless violence.
Justice Served, But Pain Persists
While Olivia's killer, Thomas Cashman, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, her parents stress that true justice remains elusive. "No sentence will bring our Liv back," says her father, John Pratt. "But we won't stop fighting to prevent other families suffering like we have."
Calls for Stronger Action Against Gang Crime
The grieving parents are now campaigning for:
- Tougher sentences for gun crimes
- Better support for victims' families
- Increased police resources to tackle gang violence
Their campaign has gained momentum in Liverpool, where community leaders have pledged to address the root causes of gang-related violence.
A Legacy of Love
Despite their anguish, Olivia's parents are determined to honour her memory. "She was full of life, always smiling," Cheryl remembers. "We want her remembered for how she lived, not just how she died." The family has established a foundation in Olivia's name to support children affected by violence.
As Liverpool marks this painful anniversary, Olivia's story continues to resonate, serving as a stark reminder of the human cost of gang violence and the urgent need for change.
