Merseyside Police have declared that they are as determined as ever to catch the person responsible for the death of 22-year-old care assistant Craig Eaton, who was fatally shot on his way to a friend’s house nine years ago this week.
On the ninth anniversary of Craig’s death, police announced that they are still offering a £10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of Craig’s murderer.
The shooting took place as Craig walked along Molyneux Road, Kensington at about 11.15pm on Tuesday 24th February 2004. Craig was shot twice near to the junction on Mallow Road, and despite the best efforts of a number of local people Craig was announced dead on arrival at Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
DCI Neil Clark of Merseyside Police said: “Craig should have been celebrating his 31st birthday last December and his family are still waiting for justice to be done. It has been nine years since Craig had his life tragically cut short, and still the family have not had any closure, and they are still finding it difficult to come to terms with their loss.
“We believe Craig may have been shot in a case of mistaken identity. He was a young man who was in the prime of his life and he had no link to any criminal groups. Family and friends have told us that Craig was passionate about his job caring for children at Alder Hey.”
He added: “I would like to reassure the family and the general public that we are still as determined as ever to catch the person responsible for this cold blooded murder. We believe the suspect is part of the criminal world and there are people out there who know who did this. I would urge those people to search their consciences and come forward so we can bring the family the justice they deserve.”
Craig’s family have continued to fight for justice, making annual appeals on the anniversary of his death. Last year, eight years after the attack, Craig’s brother Lee told of how the family still cannot believe he has gone: “We are still grieving for Craig, a special person who touched the lives of all who knew him.
“We’re trying to get on with our lives but we can’t let go until justice has been served, we need this to happen for Craig to rest in peace.”
Anyone who may have information which could help the police with their inquiries should contact 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.