Gang Members Convicted for Fatal Drive-By Shooting at London Funeral
In a tragic case that has shocked the community, two gunmen have been found guilty of murder after an innocent mother was caught in the crossfire of a drive-by shooting outside a funeral in north London. The incident, which occurred on December 14, 2024, resulted in the death of Michelle Sadio, a 44-year-old legal administrator and mother-of-two, and left two other individuals with serious injuries.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The shooting took place outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Willesden, where approximately 100 mourners, including young children, had gathered for the wake of 80-year-old Dianne Boatong. At around 9 p.m., a black Kia vehicle pulled up, and multiple shots were fired into the crowd. Ms. Sadio was struck and pronounced dead at the scene. Additionally, Kenneth Amoah, a 39-year-old Transport for London contractor, was shot in the back and paralyzed below the waist, while Kadeem Francis, a 32-year-old self-employed individual, sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.
Target and Gang Involvement
Investigations revealed that the intended target of the attack was a rapper known as Trapstar Toxic, whose real name is Adetokunbo Ajibola, aged 33. He was present at the event but escaped unharmed. The prosecution alleged that the shooting was orchestrated by gang members, with Perry Allen-Thomas, 27, and Amir Salem, 20, playing key roles. Salem acted as a go-between, using social media to communicate with the gunmen in the Kia and relaying information to Allen-Thomas shortly after the incident.
Trial and Verdicts
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Allen-Thomas and Salem were convicted of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The court heard that the Kia used in the attack had been stolen and fitted with false number plates. After the shooting, the vehicle was doused in petrol and set alight, with Salem purchasing some of the fuel used. The weapon involved was identified as a 'gang gun' that had been used in previous incidents, including a shooting outside a pizzeria where 11 rounds were fired.
Other Defendants and Sentencing
Two other individuals, rapper Shaquille Sutherland (Lil Shak), 26, from Wembley, and Tahjin Sommersall, 19, from Feltham, were cleared of any wrongdoing. Sommersall denied being in the Kia at the time, claiming he was elsewhere in Wembley. The convicted defendants have been remanded into custody and are awaiting sentencing at a later date, as ordered by Mrs. Justice McGowan.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of gang violence and public safety in London, with authorities continuing to investigate such incidents to bring perpetrators to justice.
