Two Men Found Guilty of Murder in Drive-By Shooting at North London Wake
Two individuals have been convicted of murdering an innocent woman during a drive-by shooting outside a wake in North London, with two additional people suffering serious injuries in the brazen attack. The tragic incident unfolded outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Willesden on December 14, 2024, claiming the life of 44-year-old mother-of-two Michelle Sadio.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Michelle Sadio, who worked as a legal administrator, was among approximately one hundred mourners gathered outside the church following a wake for 80-year-old Dianne Boatong. The somber gathering included children as young as five years old. At around 9:00 PM, a black Kia vehicle pulled up to the location, and multiple shots were fired directly into the crowd of people standing on the pavement.
Ms. Sadio was struck by gunfire and pronounced dead at the scene. Two other attendees sustained serious injuries during the shooting: 39-year-old Transport for London contractor Kenneth Amoah was hit in the back, resulting in paralysis below his waist, while 32-year-old self-employed Kadeem Francis suffered a gunshot wound to his foot.
Intended Target and Trial Outcome
Prosecutors revealed that the intended target of the shooting was a rapper known as Trapstar Toxic, whose real name is Adetokunbo Ajibola, aged 33. Following a trial at the Old Bailey, 27-year-old Perry Allen-Thomas from Wembley and 20-year-old Amir Salem, also from Wembley, were both found guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Two other individuals were cleared of any wrongdoing in connection with the case: 26-year-old rapper Shaquille Sutherland, known as Lil Shak from Wembley, and 19-year-old Tahjin Sommersall from Feltham in West London. The prosecution had alleged that Mr. Sommersall was inside the Kia vehicle alongside two other men who subsequently fled the country after the violent incident.
Execution and Aftermath of the Attack
At least four shots were discharged during the attack, though investigators were unable to determine which occupant of the vehicle actually pulled the trigger. The black Kia used in the shooting had been reported stolen and was being operated with fraudulent license plates. Following the attack, the vehicle was doused with petrol and deliberately set ablaze to destroy evidence.
Jurors heard compelling evidence that Amir Salem had purchased some of the petrol used to ignite the vehicle. Testimony further revealed that Salem maintained contact with the occupants of the Kia throughout the evening of the shooting and provided regular updates to Perry Allen-Thomas. Allen-Thomas was identified as having helped organize the shooting while ensuring he was at a different location when the actual attack occurred.
Weapon History and Investigation Findings
The firearm used in this deadly incident had been employed in two previous shootings during the preceding months and was characterized by investigators as a "gang gun." In one of those earlier incidents, which occurred outside a pizzeria, an occupant of a vehicle fired eleven rounds at a group of males, striking one individual in the ankle. There was no indication that the defendants in the current case were involved in those previous shootings.
During the trial, Tahjin Sommersall testified that he was not present in the Kia vehicle and claimed to have been on a council estate in Wembley at the time of the shooting. All defendants maintained their innocence throughout the proceedings, denying any involvement or knowledge of the planned attack.
Sentencing and Official Statements
Following the guilty verdicts delivered on Tuesday, Mrs. Justice McGowan ordered both convicted defendants remanded into custody pending sentencing scheduled for June 19. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke from Scotland Yard addressed the court after the verdicts were announced.
"Our thoughts remain with Michelle's loved ones," stated DCI Clarke. "They have been remarkably strong and supportive during our investigation and I hope today's result offers them a measure of comfort. Securing justice today would not have been possible without the dedicated, diligent work of my team. We hope this investigation demonstrates the Met's commitment to pursuing high-harm offenders and ensuring that those who commit acts of brazen violence are held to account."
The conviction represents a significant development in a case that has shocked the North London community and highlighted ongoing concerns about gang-related violence in the capital city.
