Jealousy-Fuelled Broad Daylight Shooting Shocks Merton
A 25-year-old man was blasted multiple times in a shocking broad daylight attack after Daniel Gaudin and Shannon Rule travelled by train from Waltham Forest to Merton to carry out the violent assault in front of horrified onlookers.
Shannon Rule Found Guilty of Attempted Murder
On Thursday, 22 December, 22-year-old Shannon Rule, of Ashwood Road, Chingford, was found guilty of attempted murder at Kingston Crown Court. Earlier, 23-year-old Daniel Gaudin, from Cranleigh Close, Waltham Cross, pleaded guilty to the same charge.
Love Triangle Turned Deadly
The court heard Rule had been in relationships with both the victim and Gaudin—two men who did not know each other. Jealous Gaudin sent threatening texts to the victim, then enlisted Rule to lure him to a meeting near Gaudin’s home in Morden.
The victim thought he would meet Rule alone. Instead, Gaudin appeared and shot him multiple times in cold blood. Dozens of stunned witnesses watched the horrific scene unfold on Central Road, at the junction with Abbotsbury Road, around 2pm on Tuesday, 22 June.
Quick Police Response Leads to Arrest
- London Ambulance Service rushed the victim to hospital with life-changing injuries requiring ongoing treatment.
- Police established a crime scene and launched a manhunt as the suspects fled.
- Ironically, Gaudin and Rule’s escape route led them back past police armed with firearms, who arrested the pair.
- Rule lied about knowing Gaudin’s intent or the gun, but texts she sent warning the victim about Gaudin’s firearm sealed her fate.
- Massive CCTV, forensic, and witness evidence placed both at the scene, forcing Gaudin to plead guilty.
Judge to Sentence Gaudin and Rule in January
Both are due to be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 19 January 2023.
Detective Inspector Iain Wallace, who led the investigation, said:
“Our thoughts are with the young man whose life was shattered by this ruthless, jealous attack. He had no warning, and his injuries mean he’ll need support for life.”
“We hope these convictions bring some comfort to him and his family. Gaudin and Rule will now pay for their violent, calculated crime. There’s no place for violence on our streets — the Met will stop at nothing to bring offenders to justice.”
