Teenager Shot Dead in Brutal Coventry Drive-By – Two Gang Members Facing Life Behind Bars
19-Year-Old Fatally Gunned Down in Broad Daylight
One teenager is dead, and two young men are set to spend life behind bars after a shocking gang-related killing in Coventry. Abdul Xasan, just 19, was shot in a ruthless drive-by attack on 13 March. He was walking along Harnall Lane near Adelaide Street in Hillfields when a gunman opened fire, hitting him twice in the back. Abdul died in the street, victims of catastrophic internal injuries.
Child Getaway Driver and Gunman Caught Red-Handed
The shooter, aged 19, and his 15-year-old accomplice sped off in a stolen VW Golf Type R, which they later torched to cover their tracks. But their escape was short-lived. Police swooped early the next morning, arresting both teenagers at their Coventry homes. Both were already electronically tagged due to other offences, with data placing them at the scene during the murder.
Ballistics matched shotgun cartridges found in the burnt-out car to those recovered from the crime scene, sealing their fate. Despite overwhelming evidence, both denied murder at Birmingham Crown Court. After a tense four-week trial, the older teen was found unanimously guilty, while the younger got a majority verdict. Sentencing is set for 22 December – both face life behind bars.
Gang Rivalry Spiralled into Deadly Violence
Investigators linked the offenders to Coventry’s notorious C2 gang. Abdul had connections to the rival RB7 group and had been arrested days earlier for possessing an imitation firearm. Detectives revealed a history of escalating tensions and firearms incidents between the two gangs in the lead-up to the shooting.
“A shotgun fired several times in a public street in the middle of the afternoon – not far from a nursery. Other innocent people could have been killed,” said Detective Chief Inspector Scott Griffiths.
“This tragic case is a stark warning about the deadly consequences of gang involvement. One young life lost, and two others, including a child, now facing ruined futures.”
“We offer support for those wanting out, working with charities and groups to help young people choose a different path. But those tied to violent gangs face serious injury, death, or a life behind bars.”
A grim reminder that the price of gang life in Coventry is far too high.
