A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of the murder of Rhys Jones.
The 11-year-old's parents, Stephen and Melanie, were at Liverpool Youth Court to see the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appear by video-link before District Judge Richard Clancy. The youth spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
He was remanded in custody and told he will have to appear by video-link before the youth court again next Thursday, May 29, when his case is expected to be committed to the Crown Court. Mr and Mrs Jones later attended Liverpool Magistrates' Court, where six others appeared in connection with their son's murder.
James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth, Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close, and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, and two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be identified, are charged with assisting an offender.
A second 16-year-old boy is accused of assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition.
All six were remanded in custody until June 2 when they will appear before the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe QC, at the city's Crown Court.
Rhys was shot dead in August last year as he walked home from football practice.
He died in his mother's arms in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth, Merseyside.
