A devastating drive-by shooting at a memorial wake in Birmingham has resulted in a life sentence for the perpetrator who targeted mourners gathered to remember a teenage knife crime victim. The incident, which left four people injured including a 14-year-old girl, has highlighted the ongoing concerns about gun violence in the region.
Details of the Memorial Wake Attack
On February 24, 2023, mourners had gathered at St Mary’s Church Hall on Hamstead Road, Lozells, to pay respects to Akeem Bailey, 17, who had lost his life to knife crime in October 2022. The peaceful commemoration turned violent when four shots were fired from a stolen Nissan Qashqai toward the crowd at approximately 6 PM.
Casualties and Injuries
The shooting resulted in multiple casualties:
- A 19-year-old man suffered a chest wound
- Another 19-year-old was shot in the left foot
- An 18-year-old man sustained a right knee injury
- A 14-year-old girl was injured after being trampled in the ensuing panic
Investigation and Conviction
Meshaq Berryman was identified as the gunman who fired from the rear passenger seat of the vehicle. The car was discovered abandoned in Little Francis Grove, Nechells, approximately two miles from the scene, the following day.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Following a three-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, Berryman was found guilty of:
On January 31, 2025, Berryman received a life sentence with a minimum term of 24 years.
Police Response and Community Impact
Detective Inspector Francis Nock from the Major Crime Team emphasized the severity of the incident, stating that it could have easily become a triple murder investigation. The shooting has had significant implications for community safety and highlighted the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence in the West Midlands.
According to police statistics, shootings in the West Midlands decreased from 126 to 92 cases last year, showing some progress in tackling gun-related crimes.
