Four people have been found guilty of murdering an innocent woman who was caught in a violent drug turf war in south Wales. The case shocked the local community and exposed the brutal reality of gang rivalry.
Woman Shot Dead After Answering Door
Joanne Penney, a 40 year old mother, was visiting a flat in Talbot Green in March last year when she answered a knock at the door. Moments later, Marcus Huntley shot her at close range. She had no connection to the gangs involved.
Huntley admitted pulling the trigger during the second day of the trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
Gang Rivalry Led to Deadly Attack
The court heard that the murder stemmed from a dispute between two drug gangs. One group operated in Cardiff, while the other came from Leicester. Huntley sold crack cocaine and cocaine in south Wales using supplies from Leicester.
When Huntley placed a dealer at a flat on Llys Illtyd, rival local dealers known as the Jimmy gang reacted angrily. They confronted and humiliated members of Huntley’s group on two occasions.
Prosecutors said these events pushed the gang to plan a violent response to send a warning.
Gun Obtained and Attack Planned
Huntley later obtained a converted starter pistol. On 9 March, he travelled to Talbot Green with several others involved in the case.
Melissa Quailey Dashper knocked on the door after being given drugs, then ran away. Joanne Penney opened the door and was shot instantly.
Paramedics attempted emergency surgery at the scene but could not save her life. A bullet had pierced her heart.
Attempts to Hide Evidence
After the shooting, the group returned to Cardiff. The next morning, Huntley buried the gun and bullets in woodland near homes and a primary school. He filmed himself during the process.
Police later used this video to locate the weapon. Forensic tests linked the buried package to Huntley, Jordan Mills Smith, and Joshua Gordon.
Huntley also shaved his hair and fled to Leicester. Officers arrested him on 12 March while he travelled on a coach.
Arrests and Court Verdicts
Police arrested Joshua Gordon and Kristina Ginova at their Leicester flat a day after the murder. Jordan Mills Smith was later found hiding in Suffolk.
The jury found Huntley, Mills Smith, Gordon, Quailey Dashper, and Ginova guilty of murder. Tony Porter was cleared of murder but convicted of being part of an organised crime group.
All six defendants were found guilty of gang membership offences.
Family Pays Tribute to Joanne Penney
Following the verdicts, Joanne’s family thanked the Talbot Green community for its support. They described her as a loving mother, daughter, sister, and niece whose kindness will never be forgotten.
Police said the convictions reflected the strength of the investigation, while acknowledging that no verdict could undo the loss.
