BREAKING NEWS: “WHO DID THIS TO HIM?” The vic::tim’s grieving family is pleading for justice, calling for the k::ill::er to be found after their son was sh::ot d::e::ad while cycling with friends on his 21st birthday

THE heartbroken family of a teenager shot dead have paid tribute ahead of what would have been his 21st birthday, as cops continue their hunt for his killers.

Ellis Cox was 19 when he was fatally shot at the Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree, Liverpool on June 23 in 2024.

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The family of Ellis Cox has issued a fresh tribute ahead of what would have been his 21st birthdayCredit: Merseyside Police
 

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Ellis was fatally shot when he was just 19Credit: Merseyside Police
Several people have since been arrested as part of the investigation, but no charges have been brought and police say those responsible remain at large.

Crimestoppers has announced a reward of up to £20,000 for information that results in a conviction over Ellis’s murder.

The teen was shot in the back after what was thought to be a confrontation between his friends and another group of males.

His family said he had been “making the most of a sunny day, going on a bike ride with his friends.”

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Police were called to the estate just after 11.10pm, following a report from North West Ambulance Service paramedics, who were treating the teenager.

He was then taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

His family issued a heartbreaking statement ahead of Ellis’ 21st birthday, which would have been tomorrow.

They said: “Our beautiful Ellis. He was full of life. He was grateful for everything and everyone and had such big dreams.

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“He wanted to travel, see the world and experience all life had to offer. He loved people and people loved him.

“His humour, his beautiful heart and his swagger meant everyone wanted to be his friend and he welcomed everyone in.

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In a gesture to honour his life, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building will light up orange, Ellis’s favourite colour, on January 18, to mark his birthday.

His family said: “On Sunday 18 January 2026 we should be celebrating his 21st birthday with him and spoiling him, but instead we are once more making an appeal for information and begging those who know anything about that night to speak up and do the right thing to help us get justice for Ellis.

“Ellis was the best son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. His life has been cut short and for what?

“Who callously took him from us? Help us make our streets safer before more innocent lives are taken.

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Police are appealing for further information on the shootingCredit: Merseyside police
 

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Ellis’ family have issued a heartbreaking plea ahead of his 21st birthdayCredit: Merseyside police
“The city will light up for you on Sunday Ellis in your favourite colour, orange.

“We love and miss you beyond words, and our lives will never be the same again; our hearts are broken.

“We are your voice now and silence will never be an option for us; we will not give up until justice is served.”