A murder investigation continues after a woman was fatally shot and two men injured in a triple shooting outside a church in north-west London.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 14 December at approximately 9:15pm on Gifford Road, NW10, when a gunman in the back seat of a black vehicle opened fire indiscriminately at a group of people leaving a wake at the nearby River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church.
Victim Identified
The woman killed has been named as Michelle Sadio, 46. Despite the swift arrival of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men in their 30s were also shot. One remains in critical condition in hospital, while the other sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local residents described scenes of “pandemonium” as gunfire rang out on the usually quiet street. Witnesses reported seeing bodies on the ground and hearing crying and screams.
One witness said:
“A car drove slowly past the church, did a loop, and came back. Then someone in the back seat opened fire into the crowd. There were around eight shots, fired so quickly it sounded like an automatic weapon.”
The witness added that Michelle appeared to be an innocent bystander, tragically caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Another resident recounted the fear:
“My son thought it was fireworks at first, then I heard my neighbour screaming and realised it was a shooting. It’s scary and sad — it doesn’t feel safe anymore.”
Police Response
The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or mobile phone footage to come forward.
A police spokesperson said:
“This was a heinous act of violence in which an innocent woman has lost her life. We are doing everything possible to identify and locate the gunman and those involved.”
https:///youtu.be/2oZ-yAEWong
Gang-Related Violence?
Some residents expressed fears that the attack may be linked to gang crime in the area, noting the slow, deliberate movements of the vehicle before the shooting.
“There is a lot of gang activity around Church Road, not far from here. It feels like they were looking for someone.”
Investigation Ongoing
A police cordon remains in place on Gifford Road as forensic officers gather evidence. Flowers have been left at the scene in memory of Michelle, who has been described as a “brilliant woman” by friends.
https:///youtu.be/Dxk0jH5qZ3E
No arrests have been made so far, and police have vowed to release further appeals as the investigation continues.
How to Help
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police via:
- 101, quoting CAD 768/14DEC
- Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
