Six members of an organised crime group (OCG) drove over 100 miles from Leicestershire to South Wales to murder 40-year-old Joanne Penney on her doorstep in Talbot Green. The killing was the result of a drugs feud between OCGs based in Leicester and South Wales.
The Murder and Investigation
On March 9, 2025, Joanne Penney was shot in the chest at an address in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, and died at the scene despite emergency services' efforts. South Wales Police identified two cars—a Nissan Note and a Volvo XC40—that had travelled from Leicester into South Wales after 10.30am on the morning of the shooting. The vehicles were seen leaving the area shortly after the fatal incident. Detectives linked the cars to an OCG involved in drug dealing in Talbot Green.
An extensive investigation identified 12 people connected to the crime. Six were convicted and sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Sentences Handed Down
Joshua Gordon, 27, from Leicestershire, was jailed for life with a minimum of 32 years for murder and three years 10 months concurrent for participating in OCG activities. Kistina Ginova, 23, also from Leicestershire, received life with a minimum of 12 years for murder and 10 months concurrent. Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years for murder and 22 months concurrent.
Marcus Huntley, 21, from St Mellons, Cardiff, pleaded guilty to murder and OCG participation and received life with a minimum of 30 years and 146 days, plus two years five months concurrent. Renaldo Baptiste, 39, from London, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 42 years for murder, with two years 10 months concurrent for OCG activities. Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Cardiff, got life with a minimum of 27 years for murder, plus two years three months concurrent for OCG participation.
Family Tribute
In a statement, Ms Penney's family said: "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. Nothing can ever make up for what has been taken from us or bring Joanne back to those who loved her. 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." They thanked the police for their professionalism and support.
Police Comment
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. Joanne’s life was taken in a ruthless act of violence, and nothing can undo the pain her loved ones continue to feel. 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." She thanked officers, staff, the Crown Prosecution Service, and prosecution counsel for their work in securing justice.
