A grandad of eight was executed by masked gunmen in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity.
The murder of James Stanton in 2006 sent shockwaves through Merseyside due to the brutality of the murder - and nearly 17-years on his killers have never been caught. Mr Stanton was shot in the back of the head as he sat in his office at Aintree Commercial Vehicles on Ormskirk Road.
The dad of four and grandad of eight also suffered gunshot wounds to the back when the balaclava-clad gunmen burst into the business at around 6pm on July 24, 2006. He died of his injuries five hours later leaving his devastated widow, Jean, and loving extended family behind.
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Mr Stanton, who was 58 when he was killed, was a popular squash coach and Jujitsu instructor. As the anniversary of his murder approaches, no definitive motive has ever emerged for his killing.
The ECHO previously reported how detectives believed the assassins intended to target the company, but Mr Stanton, from Thornton, may not have been the intended victim. In the weeks after the murder, chilling CCTV footage was released which showed the moment the masked thugs strode through the door of Mr Stanton's office before firing shots.
The hitmen were thought to have left the scene in a blue Toyota Avensis, which police discovered had been stolen from Sefton Street, Dingle, two months before the murder. That vehicle, which had a registration of DM53 MKK, was found burnt out on Blindfoot Road, Rainford, the following day. The murder weapons were never recovered.
Police previously told the ECHO they believe people within the "criminal fraternity" know who was responsible for the murder. Repeated appeals for information have been issued by police and Mr Stanton's family since the brutal murder. The crime was even featured on TV programme Crimewatch - which reportedly prompted 10 calls to the police.
A number of them named the same person as being connected with the shooting, and a black Vauxhall Vectra – registration number KN53 YHL – spotted in Lathom Road, Huyton, was identified as being possibly connected with the case.
Mrs Stanton made repeated appeals for anyone with information to contact the police. She previously told the ECHO: "Jim left for work for just another day in the office and he never came home. The brutal and callous way that he was taken from us will always follow us and at the moment there are no answers which will help heal the scars from that fateful day."
The ECHO asked Merseyside Police for an update into the investigation. Kevin Clague, Head of the Serious Crime Review Unit, told the ECHO: "Although 17 years has passed, James Stanton’s family will not be able to rest until those responsible for his death are arrested, charged and brought before the courts.
"We know that over time loyalties change and we still firmly believe that there are people in the community who know who was responsible. If those people are in a different situation and now feel able to assist, I would urge them to come forward and help us to get closure for James's family.
“I know that considerable time has passed but no murder investigation is ever closed. Any piece of information, however small, may be the key to finally solving this case. You can either contact us directly or anonymously and what you tell us will be treated with sensitivity and care."
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives by DM @MerPolCC, dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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