Olivia Pratt-Korbel: Thomas Cashman charged with murder of Liverpool schoolgirl

2 Oct 2022

Share on XTweet

Olivia PrattKorbel Thomas Cashman charged with murder of Liverpool schoolgirl

The 34-year-old from West Derby will appear in court on Monday.

The West Derby 34-year-old will appear in court Monday.

Thomas Cashman was charged with the murder Olivia Pratt–Korbel, nine years old, at her Dovecot home.

The 34-year old from Grenadier Drive in West Derby was taken into custody by Merseyside police on Thursday and interrogated by detectives.

Photo by Merseyside police of Olivia Pratt Kobel, nine years old, who was shot to death at her home in Kingsheath Avenue. Knotty Ash. Liverpool. Picture: Family handout/PA Wire

Olivia was shot in the chest by a gunman who chased another man into her Kingsheath Avenue home on August 22nd.

Cheryl Korbel, her mother, was shot in the arm while she tried to close the door against the intruders.

The gunman’s intended target - convicted burglar Joseph Nee - was also shot after bursting into their home as he fled the shooter.

Ms Korbel (46), had opened the door to investigate a disturbance on the street.

Cashman was charged with the murders of Olivia, two counts of attempted murder, and two counts each of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger lives.

Paul Russell, a 40-year-old man from Snowberry Road in West Derby, was charged with aiding an offender.

Both men will appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court Monday, October 3.

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Kameen, said: “Our work continues in earnest. We were firm in our resolve to find all those involved in this investigation, including those who tried to shield or protect people and those who supplied the weapon or are hiding it.

“We have had an overwhelming response and support from the public since the tragic murder of Olivia and I would ask for your continued support so we can keep the promise we made to Olivia’s family and the local community to ensure that those involved face justice.

For the funeral of Olivia, hundreds throng the streets.

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Knotty Ash for Olivia’s funeral on September 15.

The coffin of Olivia Pratt–Korbel is brought into St Margaret Mary's Church, Liverpool. Picture by Richard Martin-Roberts/Getty Images

Her funeral service was held at St Margaret Mary’s Church where mourners were asked to wear pink, in honour of the nine year old’s favourite colour.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, offered her ‘prayers, love and support’ to the family and described the nine-year-old’s murder as a ‘crime beyond belief’.

She said: “A life of innocence, devastatingly taken in the place where she was safest - home. Today we offer our prayers, love and support to Olivia’s family as they lay her to rest. Let us hope justice is swift and true.”