Man Found Guilty of Murder in Brutal Wembley Shooting
A man has been convicted of murder after detectives cracked the case using CCTV and mobile phone data.
Court Verdict After Nine-Week Trial
Following a nine-week trial at the Old Bailey starting 17 October 2023, Courtney Ellis, 38, of Brentford, was found guilty of murdering Michael “Craig” Small. The killing stemmed from gang tensions spiralling out of control.
Ellis was also found guilty of attempted murder and perverting the course of justice. Christopher Kyei, 36, from Chorleywood, was convicted of perverting the course of justice in the same trial. Both men face sentencing on 2 February.
Cold-Blooded Street Attack Caught on CCTV
On 5 July 2019, at about 8.10pm, Craig was waiting outside a chicken shop on Harrow Road, Wembley. A masked gunman sprinted up and fired a fatal shot at close range. A second bullet narrowly missed Craig as he collapsed.
Craig died in hospital aged 32. Detectives recovered CCTV showing the gunman flee the scene and jump into a blue Mini with false plates driven by Ellis.
The pair then drove to Bridge Road, where the gunman tried and failed to fire at a parked Mercedes targeting another victim.
Police Trace Phones and Messages to Nail the Killers
Detectives analysed hours of CCTV tracking the Mini’s journey. They also uncovered several unregistered phones used by Ellis and Kyei. Phones and laptops found at their homes revealed their long-standing relationship and links to previous violence.
Despite their denials, the mobile data was key to proving they planned and executed the attack, as Met Detective Superintendent Helen Rance explained:
“Craig’s murder was a tragic end to a cycle of gang violence. His killing was coldly planned and brutally carried out on Wembley’s streets. It serves as a reminder that gang violence tears families apart and only breeds more violence.”
Family Reacts to the Guilty Verdict
Craig’s mother, Carol Campbell, spoke movingly about her loss:
“Not a minute goes by when Craig isn’t on our minds. His murder has shattered our family. He was a loving father of three and a kind man taken without any justification. We carry this burden for life. We thank the police team for their tireless work, especially Detective Superintendent Helen Rance, Detective Sergeant Terry Goodsman, and Detective Constable Chris Lipson. They showed us not all police officers are the same.”
Police Call for Witnesses to Identify Gunman
Detective Superintendent Rance urged witnesses to come forward:
“Despite extensive detective work, the identity of the gunman remains a mystery due to a wall of silence. We believe others know who he is but refuse to speak. If you have information, please contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
If you have any info, call police on 101 quoting CAD 9128/5 July 2019 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
