Four individuals have been convicted for the murder of a mother of four who tragically became a victim in a violent gang rivalry.
Joanne Penney, 40, was fatally shot in the chest at close range by 21-year-old Marcus Huntley. The incident occurred when she answered the door of an apartment she was visiting in South Wales on March 9 of last year.
During the second day of proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Huntley confessed to the crime, changing his plea to guilty for the murder of Ms. Penney.
His co-defendants—Jordan Mills-Smith, Joshua Gordon, Melissa Quailey-Daspher, and Kristina Ginova—were also found guilty of murder on Friday by the jury.
Meanwhile, another defendant, Tony Porter, was acquitted of murder charges.
The court was told that the motive behind this brutal act stemmed from a conflict between two competing drug gangs in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Footage shows Huntley, Mills-Smith and Quailey-Dashper exiting a Nissan Note driven by Porter in a McDonald’s car park in Talbot Green.
Gordon and Porter remained in the car while the others walked up to the door of the flat, with Huntley armed with the handgun that he would use to shoot and kill Ms Penney.
Joanne Penney, 40, was shot in the chest at almost point-blank range by Marcus Huntley, 21, after she opened the door of a flat she was visiting in South Wales on March 9 last year
Marcus Huntley, 21, took a selfie with the pistol the day before the murder
Footage shows Huntley, Mills-Smith and Quailey-Dashper walking up to the door of the flat, with Huntley armed with the handgun
All three then calmly returned to the car, with Huntley and Mills-Smith putting hoods over their heads.
Meanwhile, Ginova waited at a fast-food restaurant in Cardiff with Gordon’s mobile phone.
Jonathan Rees KC, prosecuting, said: ‘Miss Quailey-Dashper knocked the front door and then retreated while Mr Huntley, who was standing alongside Mr Mills-Smith, leaned forward and immediately shot at the person that opened the door.
‘Miss Quailey-Dashper, Mr Huntley and Mr Mills-Smith ran quickly back to the car where Mr Porter and Mr Gordon waited before Mr Porter drove away.’
Mr Rees added: ‘The trigger may have been pulled by Marcus Huntley, but the prosecution’s case is that each of Joshua Gordon, Marcus Huntley, Jordan Mills-Smith, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Kristina Ginova and Tony Porter are jointly responsible for her murder.’
Huntley, 21, of St Mellons, Cardiff; Ginova, 22, of Oadby, Leicestershire; Gordon, 27, of Oadby, Leicestershire; Quailey-Dashper, 40, of Leicester and Mills-Smith, 33, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, will be sentenced at a later date.
In a statement, Ms Penney’s family said: ‘We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Joanne.
‘She was a daughter, mother, sister, and niece – loved deeply by all who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and love for her family will never be forgotten.
‘During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss.
‘We appreciate the support and condolences from the community and kindly request that our family be given the space to mourn in peace.
Huntley (left) and Jordan Mills-Smith (right) returning to the car after murdering Ms Penney
On the second day of the trial at Cardiff Crown Court, Huntley admitted pulling the trigger and changed his plea to admit the murder of Ms Penney
Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester (left) and Kristina Ginova, 22, from Leicestershire have been found guilty of murder
Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, of Pentwyn, Cardiff (left) and Joshua Gordon, 27, of Oadby, Leicestershire (right) have been found guilty of murder
Tony Porter, from Leicester, (pictured) was found not guilty of murder
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees, of South Wales Police, said: ‘I want to thank the team for their hard work and dedication throughout what has been a very tough and thorough investigation.
‘There is still another trial to come, but today’s convictions reflect the diligence and hard work of the investigation and prosecution teams.
‘Our thoughts go out to Joanne’s family at this very difficult time.
‘Whilst we recognise these convictions won’t bring Joanne back, we do hope that this outcome goes someway to allowing the family to grieve.’
