A 17-year-old boy has been convicted at the Old Bailey of the murder of Lianne Gordon, a 42-year-old woman fatally shot outside her Hackney home in December 2023. The defendant, whose name cannot be released for legal reasons, was found guilty on Wednesday of murder, along with charges of affray, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a bladed article, and two counts of attempted murder. He had also previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. He will be sentenced on 2 December.
The teenage defendant was arrested at his home on 8 December 2023. A search of his residence uncovered Class A drugs, a machete, a “burner phone,” and drug-related paraphernalia. Forensic evidence, including shell casings a glove with firearm residue and the defendant’s DNA, tied him to the shooting. Investigators also found internet searches on his devices related to “Lianne Gordon” and “fatal shooting in Hackney” made after the incident. Disturbing song lyrics, apparently composed by the defendant, reportedly detailed the murder in a self-congratulatory manner.
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Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, commented on the conviction: “The defendant was a known gang member with previous involvement in drugs and violence. Lianne Gordon was a mother of two who was shot dead for reasons we may never fully comprehend. This conviction ensures that he will no longer pose a threat to the community.”
Assistant Chief Superintendent Brigid Beehag-Fisher, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, also welcomed the verdict. “While this verdict will not bring back a mother to her family, it does provide some closure to her loved ones and the local community impacted by this tragic event,” she said. “We are committed to tackling gun crime and serious violence across London, and today’s outcome demonstrates the hard work of our teams to remove dangerous individuals from the streets.”
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The police have urged the public to report any knowledge of weapon possession or violent crime to authorities or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, in hopes of preventing further tragedies.
