Ashley Wallace, 40, of Shenley Road in Southwark, south London, was found guilty of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life at the Old Bailey on Friday. The conviction relates to the shooting of Tyrece Balcha, 18, outside a nightclub in South Way, Wembley.
The incident
Police and paramedics were called to the nightclub at 5.30am on Sunday, 21 September, 2025, following reports of a shooting in the street. Tyrece was found outside the premises with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to hospital but died five days later.
Officers spoke to witnesses and analysed CCTV which showed that Tyrece had been involved in an altercation inside the club prior to the shooting. He was pursued outside and shot, the jury heard.
Arrest and evidence
Afterwards, Wallace left the scene in a vehicle parked nearby. Police traced Wallace to a car in South East London, and he was arrested on the same day Tyrece died. A revolver was found hidden inside the vehicle, and forensic officers subsequently found Wallace’s DNA on the weapon. The bullet found at the murder scene was later matched to the gun.
At the same trial, two men were found not guilty of murder. A woman was found not guilty of possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice. The jury could not reach a verdict on a fourth man.
Family tribute
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who led the investigation, said: “Throughout this investigation and subsequent trial, the victim's family have conducted themselves with remarkable dignity and patience. We are grateful for their continued support and cooperation, and we hope today's verdict provides them with some measure of justice.”
“During this investigation, my team used CCTV and forensic evidence, which allowed them to build a remarkably detailed picture of the murder, leading to today’s conviction.”
Tyrece’s mother, Bonnie, said after the verdict: “Today's verdict brings a measure of justice for Tyrece, and we are grateful Ashley Wallace has been found guilty of his cold and senseless murder.”
“While this verdict is important, it does not bring our son back or ease the pain we have lived with every day since we lost him. Tyrece's life was cruelly taken from him eight weeks after he had turned 18 years old. He was a loving son, brother and friend with the biggest heart, an infectious smile and a personality that drew people towards him.”
“Anyone who knew Tyrece knew his kindness, warmth and sense of humour. Our hearts have been shattered. His sisters miss him every day, and his little brother had only just turned one year old when Tyrece died and will never truly get the chance to know him.”
“We will make sure that his memory lives on and that he is always remembered for the wonderful person he was, not for the way his life was taken. We pray that Tyrece can now rest in peace, knowing that justice has been served.”
“We would like to thank the police and prosecution team for their unwavering dedication, compassion and determination throughout this case. Their commitment to securing justice for Tyrece means more to us than words can express.”
“We would also like to thank our family, friends, and the many people who never even knew Tyrece but offered kind messages, prayers and support. Your compassion has reminded us that there is still so much goodness in the world, even in the midst of unimaginable heartbreak.”
“We now await sentencing and kindly ask for privacy as we continue to heal from the trauma of both losing Tyrece and reliving the circumstances of his death throughout the trial.”
Sentencing
Wallace will be sentenced at a later date.
