Sam Rimmer was shot dead in Dingle in August 2022 – despite 10 arrests, no one has ever been charged with his murder
Sam Rimmer, 22, who was gunned down in Lavrock Bank, Dingle, on August 16, 2022(Image: Handout)
The birthday of a young man shot dead is another milestone his family has to endure as the hunt for his killer goes on, said a top detective. Today marks what would have been the 25th birthday of Sam Rimmer – a dad-to-be who was shot dead in Dingle on August 16 2022.
At around 11.40pm, Mr Rimmer, who was with a group of friends on Lavrock Bank, was hit by one of eight bullets fired from a Skorpion sub-machine gun. The Bootle man, who police believe had no involvement in criminality, had been visiting friends at an address on the night of his murder.
Four suspects on two electric bikes drove into the cul-de-sac before one of them opened fire towards the group. Ten people were arrested in connection with the shooting and remain under investigation, but no one has been charged with the murder. Speaking on the date of Mr Rimmer’s birthday, which he shares with his mum Joanne, Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “Every birthday is another milestone Sam’s family are forced to endure and our thoughts remain with them on this poignant day.
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“This was a young man with his whole life ahead of him. It is vital that anyone who hasn’t already come forward to speak to us does so as a matter of urgency. Sam’s family deserves to get the answers and to see someone brought to justice.”We believe there are people living in Dingle, Toxteth and the surrounding area who hold vital information that will help us find anyone responsible for Sam’s death. We will review any new information you share with us so please contact us immediately if you have anything that could help us bring justice for Sam and his family.”
In a previous interview with the ECHO, the senior investigating officer revealed the shooting came against the backdrop of a gang-related dispute that had been waged on the streets of Dingle. He told the ECHO: “There were a number of incidents in and around the Dingle area over a 12 to 18 month period in the lead up to Sam’s murder.
“This involved violence between individuals involved in localised drug dealing. We believe this might be part of that. Sam was of good character. Some of his associates are on the periphery of criminality and that’s why we believe this has happened. This is a group offence – what I believe is it’s a targeted attack on his group of friends and he has been in the middle of it.”
He also told the ECHO: “I am very confident one of those 10 people we have arrested was the one who pulled the trigger.” The investigating officer said he and his team believe they know who is responsible for the shooting but are still looking for “that final piece of the jigsaw” that will allow them to move forward with a successful prosecution.
Police scientific support on Lavrock Bank, Dingle, Liverpool, after the fatal shooting of Sam Rimmer.(Image: Andrew Teebay)
DCI McGrath told the ECHO on the night of the shooting two electric bikes were tracked for a number of hours in the lead-up to the shooting. He said: “From the CCTV we have identified the two bikes coming into the area from the general direction of the city centre. They come into the Dingle area around 6pm. We have sightings of them in that period going around the estates.
“They will have interacted with people in that time, they will have interacted with other groups and we think because of that they are looking to target particular individuals.”
Regarding the events on the night, DCI McGrath previously said his team have been given various accounts from people in the area but no one other than the two parties involved were a direct witness. He said: “One of our big hurdles is I don’t think these people have been completely honest with us.
A picture of Sam Rimmer released to the press by his family(Image: PA)
“We have appealed directly to them, they have provided information about being there but said they can’t assist us. Part of this is appealing directly to people who weren’t at the scene but know the offenders and have become knowledgeable about what happened. I understand they might not have been willing before, but if relationships have broken down or allegiances have changed, they can come forward with information to us.”
Mr Rimmer’s mum previously said: “Sam was funny, caring and loyal. He was the life and soul of every party and his laugh was infectious. His birthday is an unbearable reminder that Sam was cruelly stolen from us and we will never hear him laugh again.”
Mr Rimmer, whose child was born in January 2023, was one of three gun fatalities during a devastating week in Merseyside that also saw the deaths of Ashley Dale and schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the area at the time, or has any information is urged to contact police by clicking on the Merseyside Police badge on the following link: Public Portal You can also contact via our social media desk @MerPolCC on Twitter, or alternatively leave information anonymously and for free with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference number 22000603397. You can also use their online form anonymously: Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers