Mother's appeal to son's killer

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The mother of a 15-year-old boy shot dead in a Manchester park has appealed to his killer to turn himself in.

Barbara Reid, mother of Jessie James, said: "Gunman, you can run but you cannot hide. What is done in secret will come to light."

She made the appeal on the third anniversary of the death of Jessie, who was killed in Broadfield Park in Moss Side on 9 September 2006.

A £50,000 reward has been offered for information to convict his killers.

The teenager's mother added: "You are a marked man in the eyes of God and your fingers are stained with the blood of my son, Jessie James. Do the right thing."

Jessie and his friends had been riding through the park when they heard shots and dispersed.

He had been hit but his friends did not realise what had happened until they re-traced their steps a short time later.

Jessie's killers could also be facing years in prison if we could get that vital witness to come forward Acting Det Ch Supt Jane Antrobus, Greater Manchester Police

Police and ambulance crews were called but Jessie was already dead.

Acting Det Ch Supt Jane Antrobus, who is investigating the murder, has been working to trace his killers for the past three years.

She said: "Jessie's family deserve to see the person responsible for his death brought before the courts. Someone knows what happened and I need that person to come forward.

"In the past 12 months we've seen what can happen when people speak out against gang members. Protected witnesses were vital to help us convict 11 gang members earlier this year. Jessie's killers could also be facing years in prison if we could get that vital witness to come forward.

"People living in Moss Side don't want this evil killer to get away with it and we will be doing all we can to bring Jessie's killers to justice."

More than 400 weapons were handed in during an amnesty after the teenager's death.