Man charged with murder of Rikki Berry

A man has been charged this evening, Thursday 17 July, with the murder of Rikki Berry.

Rikki, nicknamed Nuggy, was 36-years-old when he was shot outside a home on Quarryside Drive, in Kirkby, which happened on this exact date last year.

Paramedics treated him at the scene but sadly he died a short time later. 

Ryan Walsh-Westhead, 24, of Burscough Street, in Ormskirk, has been charged with murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life/enable another to do so.

He has been remanded to appear at Liverpool Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Friday 18 July) at 9.45am.

A 45-year-old woman from Kirkby who was arrested today on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: “We have this evening charged a man in connection with the murder of Rikki Berry and I would like to remind people that this is a live investigation.

“Please be mindful that anything posted or shared on social media could jeopardise proceedings, so please support us as we move forward with the case. The best way to help is to pass information on through official channels.

“Merseyside Police is relentless in our pursuit of anyone involved in gun crime and serious organised crime.

“Offenders should be assured that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to take their weapons off them and that time is no barrier in our efforts to bring people to justice.”

On 18 February this year, three men were jailed for life for Rikki's murder: 

• Adam Williams, 26, of Hamblett Crescent in St Helens will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison
• Michael Smith, 27, no fixed address, Kirkby will serve a minimum of 31 years in prison
• Connor Walsh, 26, of Simonswood Lane, Northwood, Kirkby received received a life sentence of 30 years in prison

Anyone with information on gun crime in their area should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.
 
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.