In a chilling case that has shocked the community, Adam Valli, described as a “cowardly” gunman, has been convicted of attempted murder after shooting his best friend in a car park in Essex. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of May 14 last year on Frobisher Way, Shoeburyness, left the victim with a gunshot wound to the leg and fighting for his life.
The harrowing ordeal unfolded following a night out at a nightclub in London, where Valli and the victim had reportedly argued over a lift home. Tempers flared, and Valli subsequently threatened his friend with violence, ominously vowing to “blast” him.
As tensions escalated, Valli pursued the victim on the A127, eventually forcing him into a car at gunpoint. Once inside the vehicle, Valli continued to brandish the firearm, threatening to take the victim to his mother’s house and shoot him. Events took a sinister turn when Valli shot his friend in the leg, callously informing him that he would bleed to death before driving away from the scene.
Following a swift and intensive investigation by Essex Police, Valli was apprehended at his home address on May 19. Despite attempts to alter his appearance by shaving his hair and beard, Valli was swiftly brought into custody and charged with attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, and possession of a firearm.
During a three-week trial at Basildon Crown Court, Valli was found guilty of attempted murder. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8 and will also stand trial for separate charges of assaulting police and drug possession at a later date.
Detective Inspector Yoni Adler from the Serious Crime Directorate commended the investigative efforts of the police, emphasizing the gravity of Valli’s actions and the severe impact on the victim. With the victim undergoing four surgeries to address life-threatening injuries, Adler underscored the significance of swiftly bringing Valli to justice, ensuring that he cannot pose a threat to others.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this shocking incident, there is hope that justice will provide some measure of closure for the victim and serve as a deterrent against such senseless acts of violence in the future.
