Jamie Starkey was shot dead in December 2012.
Nine years later - and nine Christmas’ on - justice is yet to be achieved for him
But police believe it is still obtainable and that the fluid allegiances of the criminal world may mean that someone who has not yet come forward with information may now be willing to do so.
This series of articles details what happened on the night, the impact it has had on those who knew him, and the latest on the investigation that detectives believe they could still solve with your help.
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When word of Jamie Starkey’s murder began to spread, many quickly assumed they could piece together the circumstances.
The 21-year-old, shot as he retrieved from his car the Christmas presents he had bought for loved ones in December 2012, had himself served time for shooting someone.
And his victim had previously expressed well-publicised intentions to exact revenge.
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But it was quickly stressed the situation may not have been as "clear cut" as some thought.
In 2008, aged just 16, Jamie shot a notorious drug dealer in the early hours of New Years Day.
One of the bullets went into his victim's stomach, pierced his lung, and went straight out of his back.
The drug dealer – a high-ranking figure in a then infamous north Liverpool outfit – had threatened to kill Jamie in retaliation and was jailed indefinitely in 2010 for the public’s protection after bugs taped him plotting to bring Jamie’s “family down, kids whatever”.
When Jamie was prosecuted for his attack it emerged the shooting was not a gangland incident, but had instead been inspired by fear.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Jamie had been tormented by the gang, which used increasing violence.
It was alleged they had thrown bricks at the family home, rammed his brother's car and repeatedly threatened his relatives.
Days before the shooting it was claimed they had kidnapped one of Jamie's friends and imprisoned him in a derelict house where he had stoned him.
On New Year's Eve, Jamie had been out celebrating in Everton when he encountered associates of the gang, who threatened to shoot him.
Fearing for his life, the court was told the then teenager fled to a derelict property, where a Colt revolver was hidden.
During a 15-minute confrontation in nearby Pulford Street, Anfield, witnesses heard the drug dealer threatening Jamie's family and goading him.
At one point, he told him: “Shoot me now or I'm gonna go and kill your mother.”
Michael Scholes, defending Jamie, said: “He just wanted to show them he wasn't frightened of them.
“He wanted to put an end to the bullying. He thought if he showed them he wasn't frightened of them that would put an end to the bullying behaviour.”
Sentencing him for wounding with intent and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, Judge John Roberts accepted he had acted out of concern for his family but added the court had to deter vigilante justice.
He said: “People must not be allowed to think they can take the law into their own hands and use firearms for these purposes in a public street.”
That the previous shooting could have been behind the Higher Lane, Fazakerley murder was a compelling narrative for some.
Jamie had been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for the shooting and had been released in September 2011 after serving half his sentence.
While he was locked up his best friend was murdered by two of the gang's ‘henchmen’ and upon his release he had raised fears for his safety.
At the time, police said Jamie’s history with the gang was a line of enquiry.
Then Liverpool North chief superintendent Jon Ward said: “We are keeping an open mind on this. It is not the only avenue that we are going down. At the moment, we are just trying to get as much information as we can.”
The senior officer was not the only person to suggest the situation may have been more complex.
Following Jamie’s death, his family in fact said they believed the shooting was unconnected to his previous issues.
In a statement released to the ECHO, they said: “ The family is devastated by the death of Jamie. He was much loved and will be deeply missed. It’s such a waste.
“We are keen for there to be a speedy resolution to this and are working closely with the police to find the culprit responsible for this horrendous act.
“We would like to make it clear that there are several lines of enquiry and that this situation is not as clear cut as it may at first appear.
“Whilst there are obvious suspects, it is our belief that this tragic incident is not connected to the events in 2008 and we trust that the full weight of the law will bring justice to us for Jamie.”
Nine years later - nine Christmas’ on - and justice is yet to be achieved for Jamie.
But police believe it is still obtainable and that the fluid allegiances of the criminal world may mean that someone who has not yet come forward with information may now be willing to do so.
If that is you, you can contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, via Twitter (@MerPolCC) or you can share details anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online here.
