Six members of an organised crime gang have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal doorstep shooting of Joanne Penney in Talbot Green, South Wales. The 40-year-old mother was shot in the chest on March 9, 2025, at an address in Llys Illtyd, and died at the scene despite emergency services' efforts.
Gang Travel from Leicester to Commit Murder
South Wales Police investigations revealed that two cars—a Nissan Note and a Volvo XC40—had travelled from Leicester to South Wales on the morning of the shooting, arriving after 10:30am. The vehicles were seen leaving the area shortly after the fatal incident. Detectives linked the cars to an organised crime group (OCG) involved in drug dealing in the Talbot Green area.
The murder was the result of a drugs feud between OCGs from Leicester and South Wales. Twelve people were identified in the extensive investigation.
Sentences Handed Down at Cardiff Crown Court
On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, six individuals were convicted and sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court. Among them were three from Leicestershire: Joshua Gordon, 27, received life with a minimum of 32 years for murder and three years 10 months concurrent for OCG participation. Kistina Ginova, 23, also from Leicestershire, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 12 years for murder and 10 months concurrent. Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester, received life with a minimum of 14 years for murder and 22 months concurrent.
Marcus Huntley, 21, from St Mellons, Cardiff, had pleaded guilty to murder and OCG participation and was sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years and 146 days, plus two years five months concurrent. Renaldo Baptiste, 39, from London, also pleaded guilty and received life with a minimum of 42 years for murder and two years 10 months concurrent. Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Cardiff, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 27 years and two years three months concurrent for OCG participation.
Family Tribute and Police Statement
Following the sentencing, Ms Penney’s family issued a statement: "As a family we continue to live with the devastating loss of Joanne, whose life was taken from us in a senseless shooting. Her loss has left an irreplaceable gap in our family, and the pain of losing her is something we will carry with us every day." They added, "Joanne was a daughter, mother, sister, and niece loved deeply by all who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and love for her family will never be forgotten."
DCI Lianne Rees of South Wales Police said: "Our thoughts remain firmly with Joanne’s family, who have shown immense strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable loss. This case lays bare the devastating consequences of organised crime. Those responsible showed a complete disregard for human life and for the safety of our communities."
