Four Convicted in Gang-Related Murder of Mother-of-Four in South Wales
Four people have been found guilty of murdering an innocent mother-of-four who was tragically caught up in a violent turf war between rival drug gangs in South Wales. Joanne Penney, aged 40, was shot in the chest at almost point-blank range by Marcus Huntley, 21, after she opened the door of a flat she was visiting on March 9 last year.
Courtroom Admissions and Guilty Verdicts
On the second day of the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, Huntley admitted pulling the trigger and changed his plea to admit the murder of Ms Penney. Jurors subsequently found his co-defendants Jordan Mills-Smith, Joshua Gordon, Melissa Quailey-Daspher, and Kristina Ginova guilty of murder on Friday. Another man, Tony Porter, was found not guilty of murder.
The trial heard that the alleged motive for the shooting was a clash between two rival drug gangs operating in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf. This brutal incident highlights the devastating impact of gang violence on communities and innocent bystanders.
Chilling Footage and Coordinated Actions
Footage presented in court shows Huntley, Mills-Smith, and Quailey-Dashper exiting a Nissan Note driven by Porter in a McDonald's car park in Talbot Green. Gordon and Porter remained in the car while the others walked up to the door of the flat, with Huntley armed with the handgun that he would use to shoot and kill Ms Penney.
All three then calmly returned to the car, with Huntley and Mills-Smith putting hoods over their heads in an attempt to conceal their identities. Meanwhile, Ginova waited at a fast-food restaurant in Cardiff with Gordon's mobile phone, suggesting a coordinated effort.
Prosecution's Case and Joint Responsibility
Jonathan Rees KC, prosecuting, detailed the events: 'Miss Quailey-Dashper knocked the front door and then retreated while Mr Huntley, who was standing alongside Mr Mills-Smith, leaned forward and immediately shot at the person that opened the door.'
He added: 'Miss Quailey-Dashper, Mr Huntley, and Mr Mills-Smith ran quickly back to the car where Mr Porter and Mr Gordon waited before Mr Porter drove away.' Mr Rees emphasised the prosecution's stance: 'The trigger may have been pulled by Marcus Huntley, but the prosecution's case is that each of Joshua Gordon, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova, and Tony Porter are jointly responsible for her murder.'
Sentencing and Family Statement
Huntley, 21, of St Mellons, Cardiff; Ginova, 22, of Oadby, Leicestershire; Gordon, 27, of Oadby, Leicestershire; Quailey-Dashper, 40, of Leicester; and Mills-Smith, 33, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, will be sentenced at a later date.
In a heartfelt statement, Ms Penney's family expressed their devastation: 'We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Joanne. She 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.'
The family continued: 'During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We appreciate the support and condolences from the community and kindly request that our family be given the space to mourn in peace.'
Police Response and Ongoing Investigations
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees, of South Wales Police, commended the investigative team: 'I want to thank the team for their hard work and dedication throughout what has been a very tough and thorough investigation.'
She added: 'There is still another trial to come, but today's convictions reflect the diligence and hard work of the investigation and prosecution teams. Our thoughts go out to Joanne's family at this very difficult time. Whilst we recognise these convictions won't bring Joanne back, we do hope that this outcome goes someway to allowing the family to grieve.'
This case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating gang-related violence and the profound grief inflicted on families and communities by such senseless acts.
