A man has been sentenced to life imprisonment after fatally shooting his cousin and wounding another man at a wake in London. Jahmel Joseph, 29, killed 30-year-old Jordan Rodney in Hammersmith following an argument, and also shot another man in the face.
Details of the Incident
Police were called to reports of a shooting at a wake in Claxton Grove, Hammersmith, at around 11.20pm on June 11 last year. Jordan Rodney was treated at the scene for gunshot wounds alongside another man in his 30s. Both victims were taken to hospital, where Jordan died the following day. The second man survived with minor injuries.
Investigation and Arrest
Through CCTV analysis, officers traced a man who arrived on a black motorcycle, fired at the victims, and drove away. The killer wore a motorcycle helmet and removed the number plates to avoid identification. However, footage showed the motorcycle returning to Eaton Rise, Ealing, the home of Jahmel Joseph.
Joseph had attended the wake earlier that day and had an argument with Jordan, leading to his ejection from the venue. He traveled home by car, then switched to a motorcycle and returned to the scene to carry out the shootings.
The following day, a police pursuit began after a traffic camera flagged Joseph's car in Isleworth. Joseph crashed into several vehicles, fled on foot in South Street, and was found hiding in a garden in Tolson Road, where he was arrested. A black bag containing the shotgun was discovered nearby, and forensic officers found his DNA on the weapon.
Sentencing and Family Statement
On Thursday, June 18, a judge at the Old Bailey sentenced Joseph to life in prison with a minimum term of 39 years. A jury had previously convicted him of murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, dangerous driving, and possessing a prohibited firearm on May 13.
In a statement, Jordan's family described him as a "wonderful character who could light up any room with his wit, humour and kindness." They said: "Today's sentence brings some measure of justice, but nothing can lessen the devastating loss of Jordan. He will be deeply and truly missed every day by his parents, brothers, girlfriend, family and friends."
The family thanked the Metropolitan Police for their hard work and support, as well as staff at the Old Bailey, Witness Services, counsel, and the judge for their "kindness, dignity and respect."
Police Statement
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who led the investigation, said: "Our thoughts today are with the family of Jordan Rodney, and with the other victim in the case. Jahmel Joseph left behind a trail of utter destruction – one which claimed the life of his own cousin. It is a credit to the investigation team and armed response officers that Joseph was swiftly identified and arrested, and that his actions will not go unpunished."
