Man killed in shotgun attack as he walked home in ‘gangster-style execution’

Man killed in gangster-style execution while walking home
A chilling gangster-style execution shocked residents as a man was gunned down in a fatal shotgun attack while making his way home. Peter James Gibson, aged 23, fell victim to an assassin on the evening of November 15, 1988, on Alderville Road in Walton. Despite 36 years passing since the slaying, the brutal shooting remains unsolved, leaving a lasting air of mystery over the incident.

Reports from the time described how locals discovered the young man collapsed on the pavement, hands still in his pockets, after being shot once with a shotgun. The Liverpool ECHO delved into their archives, uncovering details of the horrifying street murder. Witnesses shared how Mr. Gibson was found by horrified residents, unaware of the danger as he walked towards his home on Baythorne Road.

Police launched an investigation into the shooting, but the killer managed to evade capture. The case took a startling turn the following year during a trial at Preston Crown Court, where Mr. Gibson was linked to a £500,000 bank robbery along with an armed robber and kidnapper. Speculation arose that a gang of six was involved in the bank heist, though crucial details remained undisclosed.

Eyewitnesses recounted the shocking moments surrounding the murder, with neighbors recalling the sound of the gunshot shattering the peace of the quiet residential area. Authorities, initially considering a connection to drug activity, sought leads from witnesses who had spotted two high-end vehicles around the crime scene. Despite their efforts, the case hit a dead end, with the assassin using a stolen car to carry out the attack.

Mr. Gibson’s family portrayed him as a man without enemies, leaving many puzzled by his violent demise. Theories surrounding his death varied from underworld connections to silencing him about the robbery, but the truth behind the gangland-style execution remains elusive. Merseyside Police emphasized the importance of coming forward with any information, highlighting the ongoing quest for justice in the unsolved case.

In a tragic tale of intrigue and crime, the unresolved murder of Peter James Gibson stands as a haunting reminder of a life cut short by violence and mystery.