Dad Shot Dead Outside Home as Children Played; Three Convicted

A man named Rikki Berry died in a shooting. His girlfriend spoke in court about the event. Rikki was shot outside his house on Quarryside Drive in Kirkby on July 17 last year.

Rikki’s four-year-old daughter was nearby, having just returned home on her bike. Their son, age fourteen, was helping Rikki outside. He was doing DIY work before the shooting occurred.

One bullet went through the entire house, hitting a football trophy in the kitchen. It also went through a t-shirt in the garden before finally stopping in the shed window.

Rikki’s partner, Karlie Newhall, spoke about the event and said they all could have died that day. Karlie wondered why it happened with kids present at the scene.

Michael Smith, Adam Williams, and Connor Walsh were convicted by a jury of Rikki’s murder, also having a firearm with dangerous intent. The court sentenced them on Tuesday for their crimes.

Smith and Williams, who drove a car with the gunman, got life sentences with at least 31 years. Walsh, whose DNA was found on a bullet casing, received a life sentence with at least 30 years.

Detective Cummings led the police investigation and said the men acted like cowards, trying to avoid accepting responsibility. Their stories attempted to minimize their involvement in the crime.

Cummings stated that only they know the true motive, as police do not fully understand what caused this event. Rikki was trapped and unable to escape, and Smith continued shooting even after the first shot.

Cummings detailed that one bullet went straight through the house, passing through the kitchen and garden before lodging in the shed window. The little girl’s bike was outside during the incident.

Cummings emphasized the men’s callous nature, noting they didn’t care about the danger to others. They knew children lived at that address, highlighting that no one should experience such a tragedy.

Williams admitted to driving the black SUV during the attack, driving in convoy with the gunman Smith. They conducted a “reconnaissance mission” before the shooting took place while the victim, Rikki, was working in his yard.

Williams and Walsh denied acting with the shooter, claiming to have no knowledge of a planned “execution.” Williams said he stopped the car when a passenger reported something had happened.

Walsh’s DNA was found on the bullet casing and the firearm’s magazine. That evening, Walsh rode his bike back to the crime scene with his son, seven, and nephew, thirteen, accompanying him.

Smith admitted to lesser charges, like manslaughter, mid-trial after co-accused statements. He did not testify, and his lawyer said he meant to “frighten” Rikki, not actually harm him.

Cummings hopes Walsh will reflect on his actions, recognizing that he not only took someone’s life. He also ruined numerous other lives, including Rikki’s children, partner, family, friends, and even the community.