A £20,000 reward has been put up as police try to solve the murder of a 19-year-old “innocent” teen – shot dead as he made his way home last year. Ellis Cox died in hospital after being shot on an industrial estate in Aintree, Merseyside, on 23 June 2024.
Six men have been arrested on suspicion of murder but no one has been charged over his death. Now Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager of Crimestoppers which is offering the reward said: “Ellis’s family deserve answers and justice.”
The teenager was cycling with four friends when they were approached by “one to three males on two electric bikes” at around 10.50pm on June 23, 2024.
One of the group on the electric bikes opened fire and pumped three shots towards Ellis and his friends. Ellis, on a pedal bike, had attempted to leave the scene but was shot in the back.
His mother Carolyn Cox previously said he had called her shortly before and told her he would be “home in five minutes”.
Speaking previously, Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said the shooting of Ellis came against the backdrop of a number of incidents of violence in the Walton and Aintree area in the 12 to 18 months before his murder.
The gun used to murder Ellis – a self-loading pistol – was also used in a separate shooting at a flat on Willowdale Road in Walton.
Independent charity Crimestoppers is now offering £20,000 for information that exclusively leads to the conviction of those responsible, with the reward available for three months and due to expire on January 6, 2026.
Gary Murray, North West regional manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Ellis was an innocent young man whose life was cut short in the most devastating way at just 19 years of age.
“He had his whole life ahead of him. There are people in our community who may know what happened and who is responsible for taking Ellis from his loved ones.
“The family need your help and are so grateful for the support they have been shown so far and want to thank the public for standing with them in getting justice for Ellis.
“We’re offering this significant reward because Ellis’s family deserve answers and justice. If you have any information, please contact Crimestoppers anonymously. Your call could finally bring peace to Ellis’s loved ones and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “Our investigation continues at pace and we are determined to get justice for Ellis’ family.
“Although we have made another arrest in connection with this incident, I want to urge anyone with information to come forward.
“We’re continuing to appeal for any information from anyone who is yet to come forward, the smallest detail of which could be vital to our inquiries.”
Crimestoppers offers an anonymity guarantee, with information passed directly to the police not qualifying for the reward. The appeal comes as BBC Crimewatch is to feature a segment on Ellis’s murder.
A spokesperson said: “The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police.
“A reward code must be asked for when calling us on 0800 555 111. If you contact our charity via our online form anonymously, the ‘keeping in contact’ facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact with us.”