Tag: Joanne Penney murder case

# Six Jailed for Life After Innocent Woman Killed in Drug Gang Revenge Attack ## Joanne Penney Becomes Victim of Violent Drug Gang Feud Six people have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Joanne Penney, an innocent woman who lost her life during a violent dispute between rival drug gangs. Penney was staying with friends at a property in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, in March 2025. Shortly before 6:00 PM on 9 March, she answered a knock at the front door. Moments later, a gunman shot her in the chest at close range. The fatal wound struck her heart, leaving her with no chance of survival. The court heard that Joanne Penney had no involvement in criminal activity. She became an innocent victim of a dangerous conflict between drug gangs competing for control of local territory. ## Drug Gang Rivalry Led to Deadly Attack Investigators revealed that the murder stemmed from an ongoing feud between rival drug networks operating in the Talbot Green area. Several weeks before the shooting, members of one gang placed a drug dealer at the property where Penney was staying. A rival gang member later assaulted and humiliated that dealer. Following the incident, gang members planned a revenge attack. Marcus Huntley, 22, carried out the shooting. Prosecutors said he acted on behalf of a criminal group connected to Leicester-based drug operations. The gang obtained a firearm and ammunition through criminal contacts before transporting the weapon to Cardiff. ## Gang Leaders and Associates Found Guilty The court convicted six individuals for their roles in the murder. Those sentenced include Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Joshua Gordon, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova, and Renaldo Baptiste. Evidence showed that Baptiste, a senior gang figure, ordered the attack while serving time in prison. Investigators also linked Gordon and other gang members to the planning and execution of the operation. During sentencing, the judge described Penney's death as a senseless tragedy. He stated that she was an innocent victim caught in a drug war that had nothing to do with her. ## Police Investigation Leads to Arrests After the shooting, Huntley attempted to hide evidence by burying the firearm in a Cardiff park. He later fled the area. Mills-Smith also tried to avoid capture and travelled to Suffolk. However, police quickly launched a major investigation and tracked down all six suspects. Authorities arrested the group within days of the murder. Officers eventually detained Huntley during a dramatic operation on a National Express coach. ## Justice for Joanne Penney The life sentences bring a significant chapter of the case to a close. However, the tragedy serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gang violence on local communities. Joanne Penney's family lost a loved one who had no connection to the criminal dispute. Her death highlights how innocent people can become victims when organised crime escalates into violence.
Crime and JusticeUnited States

Six Jailed for Life After Innocent Woman Killed in Drug Gang Revenge Attack

Joanne Penney Becomes Victim Six people have been sentenced to life imprisonment…

Register Lost your password?