Two men have been convicted for a brutal drive-by shooting outside a church wake that left a mother-of-two dead and two others injured, one paralysed for life.
Tragic Death of Michelle Sadio
Michelle Sadio, 44, a legal administrator and mother, was fatally shot outside the River of Life Pentecostal Church in Willesden on 14 December 2024. The attack unfolded as mourners, including children as young as five, gathered after a wake. Two others were hit in the shooting: Kenneth Amoah, 39, was struck in the back and paralysed below the waist, while Kadeem Francis, 32, suffered a gunshot wound to the foot.
Perry Allen-Thomas and Amir Salem Found Guilty at Old Bailey
A jury at the Old Bailey found 27-year-old Perry Allen-Thomas and 20-year-old Amir Salem, both from Wembley, guilty of murder and two counts of attempted murder. The pair were linked to a black Kia that pulled up at the scene and opened fire into the crowd. The intended target was rapper Trapstar Toxic (real name Adetokunbo Ajibola, 33), who was present at the event. However, the fatal bullet struck Michelle Sadio instead. 
Additional Defendants Cleared; Details of the Attack
Rapper Shaquille Sutherland, aka Lil Shak, 26, and Tahjin Sommersall, 19, were cleared of all charges. Sommersall denied being in the Kia, claiming he was elsewhere during the shooting. The prosecution revealed the Kia was stolen and had fake number plates. CCTV footage showed Salem purchasing petrol, reportedly used to set the vehicle on fire after the attack. He was also in contact with people in the car and relayed information to Allen-Thomas that night.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke of Scotland Yard said, “They have been remarkably strong and supportive during our investigation and I hope today’s result offers them a measure of comfort. We hope this investigation demonstrates the Met’s commitment to pursuing high‑harm offenders and ensuring that those who commit acts of brazen violence are held to account.”
Awaiting Sentence – June 19
The deadly weapon used had been fired previously at other incidents, but there is no suggestion Allen-Thomas or Salem were involved in those. Both men remain in custody ahead of their sentencing scheduled for 19 June.
