Olivia Pratt Korbel: A Tribute to Her Loving Parents John Francis Pratt and Cheryl Korbel: On the evening of August 22, 2022, the world lost a bright young soul. Nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot and killed by a masked gunman at her family’s doorstep in Dovecot Liverpool.
While the intended target was a 35-year-old gang member with prior convictions Pratt-Korbel and her mother Cheryl Korbel were caught in the crossfire. In this article, we remember Olivia Pratt Korbel and take a closer look at her parents John Francis Pratt and Cheryl Korbel.
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Who Were Olivia Pratt Korbel’s Parents?
Olivia Pratt-Korbel was raised by her parents John Francis Pratt and Cheryl Korbel. Her mother Cheryl Korbel was 46 years old at the time of the incident. Olivia had an older brother and sister and was known for her cheerful personality and love of dancing.
The Aftermath of the Tragic Incident
Following the trial of Thomas Cashman the man responsible for the shooting Olivia’s mother Cheryl Korbel expressed her relief at the outcome. Cashman was found guilty of murder injuring Ms. Korbel attempting to kill Joseph Nee and possessing weapons that imperil life. He might have to go to jail for at least 30 years.
The trial lasted nearly four weeks and throughout that time Cheryl Korbel attended court daily seeking justice for her daughter. After the verdict was announced she left the Manchester Crown Court holding a pink teddy bear. In contrast, Cashman reportedly cried in the dock.
The Tragic Night
On the night of August 22, 2022, Pratt-Korbel’s mother Cheryl Korbel heard a disturbance around 10 o’clock and opened the front door with Pratt-Korbel in tow. One of two men running from an unidentified gunman Joseph Nee tried to force his way into the house.
The shooter wearing a balaclava and a black jacket approached the home and fired four shots as Nee tried to enter. One of the bullets struck Pratt-Korbel in the ribcage and went through her mother’s wrist.
The attack was directed at Nee a convicted drug dealer and burglar. He had been released on license halfway through his term in 2021. The police saw that Nee left Pratt-Korbel and her mother to get into a black Audi car that he used to escape. The murder was described as a “horrific senseless shooting” by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Remembering Olivia Pratt Korbel
The tragic loss of Olivia Pratt-Korbel shook the nation and many prominent figures paid their respects. Home Secretary Priti Patel visited the scene and promised more funding for Merseyside Police to tackle crime and weapons.
The coach of Liverpool F.C., Jürgen Klopp, showed his respect and said that if they could do something to help, they would.
Liverpool F.C. also paid homage to Pratt-Korbel during their game against Bournemouth and supporters of both teams paid tribute during the ninth minute of a later game between Liverpool and Everton.
The senseless and tragic loss of Olivia Pratt-Korbel will not be forgotten. While the incident was directed at a convicted criminal it is important to remember the innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Olivia Pratt Korbel’s parents John Francis Pratt and Cheryl Korbel have been left with an unbearable loss. Let us honor Olivia’s memory and work towards a safer society where such tragedies can be prevented.
