A cold-blooded gang gunman has been slammed with a hefty 33-year jail term after hi-tech digital forensics nailed him in a 2020 Hackney shooting.
Five innocent young men were caught in a brutal gang crossfire – one left permanently blinded.
‘Billy Billions’ Banged Up for Decades
Bailey McKenzie, aka ‘Billy Billions’, 28, of no fixed address, was locked up at the Old Bailey on 2 October. He was found guilty of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
McKenzie was convicted in July after a fierce three-week trial. This latest 33-year sentence stacks on his previous guilty verdicts, sealing his grim fate behind bars.
Cutting-Edge Tech Cracks the Case
Three of McKenzie’s gang mates were already cooling their heels for the shooting. But it was breakthrough digital forensic technology, rolled out in 2023, that finally bagged McKenzie — even though he wasn’t at the scene himself.
The new tech gave cops crucial fresh evidence linking McKenzie to the attack, proving his key role masterminding the violence from behind the scenes.
Detective Superintendent Matthew Webb, lead investigator, said: “This shooting was harrowing and has transformed the lives of victims and their loved ones forever. These four men showed zero remorse for hurting innocent people.”
“I thank the victims and their families for their patience. Hopefully, the long sentences give some comfort that justice has been done.”
“My team and the CPS showed incredible determination. These harsh sentences reflect their hard work.”
“McKenzie used his ‘Billy Billions’ persona to orchestrate violent gang disputes. He does not own the streets – we will stop all violent offenders.”
Gang Violence Sparks Tragedy in Hackney
McKenzie, along with Reuel Briscoe, Julien Kalala, and Dalvane Greenaway, ran a ruthless gang in Hackney’s E8 postcode. They fanned violence online before the December 2020 shooting.
On 14 December 2020, Briscoe, Kalala, and Greenaway chased a rival gang, spraying bullets into a car on Middleton Road. But inside were five innocent men, aged 21 to 22, celebrating a birthday with zero gang links.
Three were shot; one suffered permanent, life-changing injuries.
Police tracked the attackers on CCTV and arrested Briscoe the next day. Forensic phone checks uncovered gang chats plotting violent crimes – including this brutal shooting.
Victim’s family said in a statement: “Before the shooting, he was an outgoing young man, studying to be an accountant. They took away his future. He had so much to offer society and was loved by many.”
Other Gangsters Behind Bars
- Reuel Briscoe, 32, locked up in October 2022 for at least 34 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
- Dalvane Greenaway, 24, jailed July 2023 for 28 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
- Julien Kalala, 27, sentenced July 2023 to 34 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
