Three years ago, 9-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was murdered in a crime that shocked all of Britain. The tragic event devastated her family and led to changes in the law.
On the night of August 22, 2022, in Liverpool’s Dovecot neighborhood, Olivia lost her life when a gunman fired into her family’s home. The attack was aimed at a drug dealer named Joseph Nee, but innocent Olivia was caught in the crossfire and died in her mother’s arms.
The shooter, 35-year-old Thomas Cashman, had planned to kill Nee but instead caused a terrible loss. Olivia’s mother, Cheryl Korbel, still feels the pain deeply. Before the anniversary, she told the BBC, “It has been three years since I last heard her laugh or held her hand, yet the pain feels as fresh as ever.”
That night, Cashman waited outside, armed with two guns, poised to attack Nee. When the first gun jammed, chaos ensued. Cheryl opened the door to see what was happening, only for Nee to try to get inside to escape.
Cashman fired his second weapon, wounding Cheryl before fatally shooting Olivia. The little girl came downstairs seeking comfort, whispering to her mother, “Mum, I’m scared.”
Cashman was arrested, but the motives remain murky since Nee refused to cooperate. In 2023, Cashman was convicted of Olivia’s murder, attempted murder of Nee, assault on Cheryl, and gun possession offenses. He received a life sentence with at least 42 years to serve.
Yet, Cashman refused to appear in court for sentencing, an act called “disrespectful” by the judge. His lawyer said he thought the trial was “turning into a circus.”
During sentencing, Cheryl held a teddy bear made from Olivia’s pajamas and shared her anguish. “I can’t understand how Cashman kept shooting despite hearing the screams. He doesn’t care,” she said.
This tragedy spurred lawmakers to strengthen punishments for offenders trying to avoid sentencing.
Olivia’s death was part of a violent surge in Liverpool during 2022. Other victims included young adults Sam Rimmer and Ashley Dale.
To fight crime, Merseyside Police launched the Clear, Hold, Build initiative called EVOLVE, working to reclaim troubled neighborhoods.
Cheryl joined the campaign, pleading with the community to speak out against crime.
Though nothing can bring Olivia back, Cheryl remains determined to honor her daughter by helping others. “She had her whole life ahead of her,” Cheryl said. “The pain is indescribable. I will never see her grow up, get married, or have children.”
Olivia’s bright life ended too soon, and her story is a heartbreaking call for society to do better.
