Mother's last moments with murdered daughter as police release suspect's name

Updated

The mother of a murder victim has described the emotional moment she held her daughter in her arms for the last time, as police release the name of their prime suspect.

Kerry Reeves, 26, was shot at close range, causing fatal head injuries, in Thornhill Walk, off Northcourt Road, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on Tuesday evening.

She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where she died on Thursday.

Her mother, Nicola, has described in an emotional statement how she has lost her "beautiful funny daughter".

She said: "On Tuesday evening my beautiful funny daughter was brutally taken from me, aged just 26.

"Holding her in my arms for the last time is something a mother should never have to go through. Trying to take in how she looked, kissing her, never wanting to let her go.

"Myself and Kerry's family are completely devastated not only by the loss of our beautiful young girl but the horrific way Kerry was taken from us."

Police have named Billy Johnson as their suspect in the case and released a picture of the 20-year-old, who detectives are warning people not to approach but to call 999 immediately if they see him.

Detective Superintendent Chris Ward, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Thames Valley Police is releasing an image of Billy Johnson, a man wanted in connection with Kerry Reeves' murder in Abingdon.

"Kerry was brutally shot at close range and her family is understandably devastated by her untimely death.

"If you see Billy please do not approach him, instead call 999 immediately."

Johnson is described as white, 5ft 8ins, with very short brown hair and blue eyes. He has tattoos on his right arm of the word Mum and clouds and a tattoo on his right hand with the words Life is precious. He has links to London, Corby in Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire.

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