On a summer's evening in 2017, a young man collapsed to the ground behind a row of shops in Toxteth just off the bustling Lodge Lane.
Yusuf Sonko, 18, had been struck in the head by a single bullet, fired at the group he was standing with in Tagus Street at around 8.30pm on Friday, June 2. Paramedics desperately tried to save Yusuf, but his injuries were catastrophic and the damage was done.
Today marks five years since Yusuf was killed, but no-one has been charged or convicted over his death despite eight arrests and a £20,000 reward for information. At the time detectives said the offenders were believed to have been on bicycles and used a 9mm handgun, firing around five shots including the one that struck Yusuf.
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The shooting caused devastation in L8 and Yusuf's grief-stricken parents, Khadija and Papice Sonko, have relentlessly begged for those who know what happened to come forward. Despite the lack of charges, however, a man's name has been repeatedly linked to the investigation.
In the weeks after the shooting, Merseyside Police circulated images of then 22-year-old Toxteth man Jason Curry, who was urged to hand himself in for questioning. Curry remained at large for three years, until he was arrested by Spanish police in the Costa del Sol in late 2020, in connection with a robbery which involved a 70-year-old British ex-pat being shot in the leg.
Two years on, Curry remains in Spanish custody and has yet to be questioned over the murder. The Spanish Guardia Civil has been contacted for comment.
Merseyside Police are not simply sitting back and waiting for the extradition process to play out, however, and are continually seeking new information on the case. This week community policing officers have been in the area to provide a high-visibility presence, issue leaflets carrying an appeal for information and to speak to residents and businesses.
Detective Chief Inspector Judith Blease, who is leading the investigation, said: “Five years have now passed since Yusuf tragically died, and his family will feel the grief and sadness of his loss for the rest of their lives. We remain as determined as ever to bring them the justice they want and deserve, and to put those responsible before the courts.
“We have made significant progress with the investigation and continue to provide Yusuf’s family with support. A number of men remain under investigation but we’re convinced there are people living in L8 and beyond who hold vital information that will help us bring justice for Yusuf and his family."
Det Chief Insp Blease added: “We understand some people may be apprehensive about speaking to police – I want to reassure you that any information passed on to us is handled with care and sensitivity, and that we can put measures in place to protect those with the courage to speak.
“Time is no barrier to our enquiries. We understand that people may have had loyalties at the time that they felt prevented them from coming forward, but with the passage of time may now feel more able to speak out. I urge those people to do the right thing and help a family still so desperate for answers.
“If you have heard anything, witnessed the shooting itself, saw groups of young males running in the Lodge Lane area just before 8.30pm on the night, or saw two males on pedal bikes in the area before or after, please get in touch.
“Any piece of detail, however small, could be a huge step forward for us all, so please don’t assume what you know is trivial, unimportant or already known to police. Tell us what you know and we will make that assessment."
Speaking in 2018, Yusuf's mum Khadija said: "It has now 12 months since our son, Yusuf, was brutally murdered, shot in the head on June 2, 2017 on Lodge Lane, a busy street, with many people there witnessing what happened on that fateful evening.
"No one from our community, not his friends, no mother, sister, brother or father has yet had the courage to come forward, to give evidence, to bring the person who killed my boy to justice.
"We are writing this letter to appeal to you, to our community members, to come forward with any information to bring the killer of Yusuf to face justice. We are appealing to you, please help us. Please come forward with information. Our community must break this wall of silence,
"It just takes one person to do the right thing. Put yourselves in our position, what would you want if it was your child or family member that was killed? Please come forward, speak to the police and please bring us some peace."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information is urged to contact us via 101, our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter, or alternatively leave information anonymously and for free with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 0517135977. You can also use their online form anonymously here.
