Two men have been convicted of murdering Michelle Sadio, a 44-year-old mother of two, in a drive-by shooting outside a church in Willesden, north London. The attack occurred on 14 December 2024, during a wake for an 80-year-old woman, where around 100 mourners, including children, had gathered.
Perry Allen-Thomas and Amir Salem were found guilty at the Old Bailey of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The intended target was believed to be a rapper known as Trapstar Toxic, but Sadio was killed instantly. Two other people were injured: Kenneth Amoah, a Transport for London contractor, was paralysed below the waist, and Kadeem Francis was shot in the foot.
The shooting was carried out from a stolen black Kia with false number plates. At least four shots were fired into the crowd. After the attack, the car was doused in petrol, supplied by Salem, and set alight. The weapon, described as a 'gang gun', had been used in two previous shootings.
Allen-Thomas and Salem were among four defendants charged. Shaquille Sutherland and Tahjin Sommersall were acquitted. The prosecution alleged that Allen-Thomas and Sutherland orchestrated the shooting, while Salem helped dispose of the vehicle. Two other suspects, Ibrah Sayed and Hassan Mohammed, are believed to have fled the country.
Mrs Justice McGowan remanded Allen-Thomas and Salem into custody for sentencing at a later date.
