Justice was served as two men were found guilty of killing mum-of-two Michelle Sadio in Willesden shooting. The pair were convicted at the Old Bailey after a painstaking Met Police probe, using digital forensics to crack the case wide open.
Fatal Wake Shooting Shocks Community
Michelle Sadio, 44, was gunned down on 14 December 2024 while attending a wake at the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church in Willesden. The shooting happened around 9.15pm on Gifford Road when shots were fired from a black Kia Niro, later found burnt out on a nearby estate. Alongside Michelle, two innocent men in their 30s were also hit by gunfire. One remains severely injured, facing life-changing consequences.
Digital Clues Crack Hard-Boiled Case
Detectives faced massive hurdles—no eyewitnesses, no gun recovered, and deliberate evidence destruction. But a breakthrough came fast, thanks to forensic DNA from a petrol can left by the torched getaway car. Officer’s sleuthing included studying hundreds of hours of CCTV, tirelessly cross-referencing ULEZ and ANPR data, and sorting through thousands of phone records. This pinpointed two key suspects:
- Perry Allen-Thomas, 27 of Queenscourt, Wembley – found guilty of the murder and two counts of attempted murder.
- Amir Salem, 20 of Barnhill Road, Wembley – also found guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Prosecutors revealed Allen-Thomas tried to craft an alibi and used a curfew tag and Uber journeys to cover his tracks. Salem acted as a middleman, buying fuel used to torch the car and communicating with the gunmen before and after the shooting.
Met Vows to Hunt Remaining Gunmen
Two other suspects, believed to have been the gunmen, who fled from North Wembley to commit the shooting, remain on the run. The Met’s Specialist Crime Command continues chasing leads to bring them to justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke said: “Our thoughts remain with Michelle’s loved ones, who have been incredibly strong throughout this. Today’s verdict may bring some comfort. My team’s dedication has been vital in holding these violent offenders to account and showing the Met’s commitment to tackling serious crime.” The pair face sentencing this June as the hunt continues for the remaining suspects. Michelle leaves behind two young children, marking a tragic loss in the Willesden community.
