Full Breakdown
Two Men Convicted in Drive-By Shooting of Michelle Sadio
4/21/2026, 11:19:52 PM
Overview of the Incident
On December 14, 2024, Michelle Sadio, a 44-year-old legal administrator and mother of two, was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Harlesden, north-west London. The incident occurred during a wake for 80-year-old Dianne Boatong, attended by approximately 100 mourners, including children as young as five. At around 9 PM, a black Kia pulled up, and at least four shots were fired into the crowd, resulting in Sadio's death at the scene. Two other individuals, Kenneth Amoah and Kadeem Francis, were injured, with Amoah suffering paralysis below the waist.
Conviction of Defendants
Following a trial at the Old Bailey, Perry Allen-Thomas and Amir Salem were found guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder. They are scheduled to be sentenced in June 2026. The prosecution presented evidence that the intended target of the shooting was rapper Adetokunbo Ajibola, known as Trapstar Toxic, who was also present at the wake. The vehicle used in the attack had been stolen and was equipped with false number plates. After the shooting, it was set ablaze with petrol supplied by Salem.
Background of the Attack
The attack was described by Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke from the Metropolitan Police as "a well-orchestrated attack that had been planned for several months." The weapon used in the shooting had a history of being involved in previous incidents, including a shooting outside a pizzeria. While Allen-Thomas and Salem were convicted, two other defendants, Shaquille Sutherland and Tahjin Sommersall, were acquitted of all charges. Sommersall claimed he was not present in the Kia during the shooting, asserting he was elsewhere at the time.
Official Statements & Responses
Justice Mrs. McGowan remanded Allen-Thomas and Salem into custody pending sentencing. Clarke emphasized the tragic nature of Sadio's death, noting her presence at the wake was to support a friend. He remarked, "It speaks of Michelle's personality and character that she was there to support her friend that night and tragically she lost her life through these consequences."
Criticism & Opposition
While the prosecution's case focused on the actions of Allen-Thomas and Salem, the defense maintained that the defendants were not involved in the shooting. The acquittal of Sutherland and Sommersall raised questions about the evidence presented against them, highlighting the complexities of gang-related violence and the challenges in securing convictions in such cases.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There remains uncertainty regarding the exact identity of the shooter, as it was not definitively established who fired the shots. Additionally, the whereabouts of two individuals allegedly involved in the incident, Ibrah Sayed and Hassan Mohammed, are currently unknown, complicating the investigation further.
What's Next
The sentencing for Allen-Thomas and Salem is set for June 2026, which will conclude the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic case. The incident has sparked discussions about gang violence and public safety in London, particularly in relation to events involving large gatherings.
