The charge comes exactly 12 months on from the murder of the 36-year-old
Rikki Berry(Image: Merseyside Police)
A man has been charged with the murder of Rikki Berry exactly a year on from his death. Shortly after 6.30pm on July 17 last year, police rushed to the scene after the dad was shot three times in the front garden of his girlfriend’s home on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby by a balaclava-clad assailant.
Paramedics treated him at the scene but he died a short time later. This year three men were jailed for the murder of the 36-year-old, nicknamed “Nuggy”.
Adam Williams, 26, of Hamblett Crescent in St Helens will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison, Michael Smith, 27, no fixed address, Kirkby will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison, and Connor Walsh, 26, of Simonswood Lane, Northwood, Kirkby received a life sentence of 30 years in prison.
Today, exactly 12 months on from the murder, Ryan Walsh-Westhead, 24, of Burscough Street, in Ormskirk, has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life/enable another to do so.
He has been remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Friday, July 18) at 9.45am.
A 45-year-old woman from Kirkby, who was arrested today on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released under investigation.
Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: “We have this evening charged a man in connection with the murder of Rikki Berry and I would like to remind people that this is a live investigation.
“Please be mindful that anything posted or shared on social media could jeopardise proceedings, so please support us as we move forward with the case. The best way to help is to pass information on through official channels.
“Merseyside Police is relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in gun crime and serious organised crime.
“Offenders should be assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to take their weapons off them and that time is no barrier in our efforts to bring people to justice.”
Anyone with information on gun crime in their area should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via the force’s website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.