Thousands of people across Liverpool remember the murder of innocent 11-year-old Rhys Jones "like it was yesterday".
Today marks the 15th anniversary of Rhys' death after he was shot dead by gun-toting thugs in a pointless gang feud. The youngster was murdered as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth after being caught in the crossfire between two gangs - the Strand Gang and Croxteth Crew.
Rhys was leaving the Croxteth Fir Tree pub car park after football practice on August 22, 2007 when he was hit by a bullet from Sean Mercer's gun. And immediately after the killing of the innocent child, Mercer and his 10 accomplices began their cover up of the horrific crime.
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Mercer, who was just 16 when he fired the bullet that devastated Rhys' family, was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison after he denied murder but was convicted unanimously by a jury. The thug indented to shoot at rival Wayne Brady, but Rhys was tragically caught in the crossfire.
James Yates was 20 when he was jailed for seven years for supplying the Smith and Wesson gun used to shoot Rhys. He also helped Mercer cover his tracks by washing him in petrol to destroy evidence.
Yates was sentenced to a further five years in 2009 after the Court of Appeal agreed with Solicitor-General Vera Baird QC who called for a review of Yates' "unduly lenient" tariff.
Nathan Quinn then 18, was jailed for two years for helping Mercer get rid of the murder weapon and clothes. At the time of his sentencing he was already serving a five-year sentence over gun crime, and the two-year sentence was served once his current jail term ended in 2010.
Melvin Coy, 32, was sentenced to seven years for his involvement. Gary Kays was sentenced to seven years in prison in 2008 for his involvement in the cover up. Dean Kelly was also jailed in 2009 for four years.
All but Mercer have been released of their original sentences for Rhys' murder. Mercer remains in jail, only being eligible for parole in 2030. When the gang were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Irwin branded the gang "selfish, shallow criminals, remarkable only by the danger you pose to others".
And now 15 years on the city of Liverpool remembers again the innocent youngster who went to football training but never came home. ECHO readers expressed their sadness once again and extended their condolences to Rhys' family.
David Quinn recalled the day of the murder. He said: "Can't believe it's been 15 years. I remember that night as if it was yesterday. Walking my dog around Croxteth Hall just before the England game. I heard the sirens of the police and could never imagine it was a child that had been shot. God bless you boy and your mum, dad and brother."
Peter Wright added: "I was 15 when he died and remember it like it was yesterday. Thinking of his family today. God bless them all." Steven Shanley wrote: "RIP Rhys. Forever in all our hearts. Thinking of your mum, dad, brother and all your family and friends."
Pauline Allt acknowledged Rhys' love for Everton FC, adding: "Thinking of your family today little boy blue. God bless you forever."
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