Two men have been jailed for a total of 64 years for the murder of an innocent woman in a drive-by shooting at a wake in north-west London. Mother-of-two Michelle Sadio, 44, was fatally shot outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Willesden on December 14, 2024. The attack also left two others injured: Kenneth Amoah, 39, who was paralysed from the waist down, and Kadeem Francis, 32, who was shot in the foot.
Sentencing at the Old Bailey
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Perry Allen-Thomas, 27, and Amir Salem, 20, were found guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder. On Friday, Mrs Justice McGowan sentenced Allen-Thomas to a minimum term of 38 years and Salem to 26 years. The court heard that the intended target was believed to be a rapper known as Trapstar Toxic, real name Adetokunbo Ajibola, 33, who was present at the wake.
Victim Impact Statement
During the sentencing hearing, Jean-Marie Sadio, Michelle's widower, addressed the defendants directly. In a statement read to the court, he said: 'The ones who were behind what happened that night can never know what they have done. I have forgiven them because the future has to be my focus for the sake of my children.' He urged Allen-Thomas and Salem to use their time in prison to change, stating: 'If you succeed in this, you would have repaid society.'
Details of the Attack
At around 9pm on the night of the incident, approximately 100 mourners, including children as young as five, had gathered for the wake of Dianne Boatong, 80. As guests stood outside on the pavement, a black Kia pulled up and shots were fired into the crowd. Ms Sadio, a legal administrator, was struck and died at the scene.
Investigation and Evidence
Prosecutor Crispin Aylett KC told the court that Allen-Thomas had previous convictions for drug possession and violent disorder. Salem, who was 18 at the time of the shooting, had no prior convictions. The Kia used in the attack had been stolen and was fitted with false number plates. After the shooting, the vehicle was set on fire using petrol purchased by Salem. At least four shots were fired, though it remains unclear who pulled the trigger. The prosecution alleged that two occupants of the Kia fled the country after the incident. The weapon used had been involved in two previous shootings, including one outside a pizzeria where 11 rounds were fired.
Defendants' Denials
During the trial, both defendants denied any involvement or knowledge of the incident. Allen-Thomas, from Wembley, was said to have helped organise the shooting but ensured he was elsewhere at the time. Salem, also from Wembley, had been in contact with the Kia occupants and reported back to Allen-Thomas, jurors were told.
