Carl Russell, 27, was out of prison on day release when he was ambushed outside his parents’ home and murdered in a planned shooting – with the gunman still on the loose
A high-vis clad gunman who fatally shot a man on day release is still at large six years later.
Carl Russell, 27, was on day release from prison and visiting his family when he was ambushed outside his parents’ home in Belle Vale, Liverpool, at around 11.30am on October 7 2018.
The shooter, donned in an orange high-vis jacket and pedalling a bike, unleashed a hail of bullets from a 9mm semi-automatic handgun as Mr Russell alighted from his girlfriend’s car. Merseyside Police have since apprehended three men on suspicion of murder, but all have subsequently been released under investigation.
Despite a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of his murderer, no one has ever been charged. Mr Russell was known to the police and had previously served time for possession of a firearm – a crime that came to light after he survived a separate assassination attempt in 2010.
Earlier reports disclosed that he was critically wounded when two armed men invaded his home on New Year’s Day. Despite being shot in the back of the head, Mr Russell miraculously survived that attack.
Following the shooting, officers discovered a Glock 9mm handgun and live ammunition in his residence, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Police previously said they “remained open minded” about potential ties to earlier shootings. The victim, Mr Russell, was in the midst of a nine-month sentence for dangerous driving in 2018 but was on day release when he was killed. Cops also admitted their uncertainty about how the assailant knew the timing of the attack, as it was known to only a select few that Mr Russell was out and visiting relatives.
The bereaved family of Mr Russell said last year their unease with the meticulous execution of the crime, noting that very few were aware of his visit to his parents’ house on that fateful Sunday morning. In a conversation with the ECHO at the Merseyside Police headquarters, just before the fifth anniversary of Mr Russell’s death, lead investigators disclosed details regarding potential witnesses they were eager to contact.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wilkinson made an appeal: “We are really keen to speak to the driver, or anyone who has got information, with regards to a white 53 plate Nissan Primestar van, which we believe was on the estate at the time of Carl’s murder.”
She continued, seeking further assistance: “We are also hoping to speak to a taxi driver who may have overheard a conversation that day, from a fare who may have information regarding that van. We believe the taxi driver has approached the police at the scene on the day but we have been unable to identify him since.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Pye has appealed to the public for information: “We have made a number of arrests, but I am still very keen to talk to anyone who was around at the time of the shooting. This incident happened in broad daylight at around 11.30am on a Sunday when there would have been people around.”
He also stressed the possibility of a change in loyalties and the incentive to come forward, noting, “Over the years, allegiances can change and hopefully a £20,000 reward from Crimestoppers will be a strong incentive for anyone with information to come forward. We are particularly keen to speak to a male wearing high-vis clothing and riding a bike who was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.”
The wanted individual was specifically described as DCI Pye continued, “He is described as white, in his late 20s at the time, of medium build, dressed all in black and wearing a high-vis orange jacket, which was dark blue at the bottom and had a reflective band. Do you know who this man is? We believe he could have vital information which could assist our investigation and I would urge anyone who recognises him or the man himself to do the right thing and come forward.”
In a statement from the previous year that remains relevant today, Gary Murray, north west manager of Crimestoppers, emphasised the role of the charity in enabling secure anonimity: “We know how difficult it can be for people to speak up and pass on what they know which is why Crimestoppers exists. Our charity, which is completely independent of the police, has always kept our guarantee of 100% anonymity to everyone who contacts us.”
“That means no police, no courts, no witness statements. Essentially, when you contact Crimestoppers via our website or call our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111, once you’re done there is no comeback. No one will ever know you contacted us and your information could protect Liverpool from more harm and help the family and friends of Carl see justice.”
