Family of Ellis Cox issue tribute on what would have been his 21st Birthday

The family of Ellis Cox has issued a fresh tribute ahead of what would have been his 21st birthday as detective continue to appeal for information.

Ellis, aged 19, was fatally shot on Sunday 23 June 2024 at Liver Industrial Estate and an investigation is ongoing to find the people responsible.

A number of people have been arrested in connection to the murder, but no one has been charged yet.

Crimestoppers is currently offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information provided directly to the charity that leads to the conviction of those responsible for the murder of Ellis (more information can be found at the end of this release).

To help mark Ellis’ birthday on Sunday, Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard building in Liverpool city centre will all light up in his favourite colour, orange. 

In a tribute issued today (Friday 16 January) ahead of his birthday on Sunday, his family said:

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

“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 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. 

“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.” 

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

“A 21^st birthday should be a day of celebration, but sadly Ellis’ family will be marking another special occasion without him.

“My thoughts are with them and our specialist family liaison officers continue to support them in every way they can.

“Our determination to get justice for Ellis’ family remains as strong as ever. We continue to make inquiries as part of this ongoing investigation and would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.”

A Crimestoppers reward of up to £20,000 was recently extended and will remain in place until Monday 6 April 2026.

You can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visit the website.

Find more Liverpool news here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.