A court has been informed that a woman fatally shot on a housing estate in Wales was mistakenly targeted in the midst of a feud between rival drug factions. Joanne Penney, aged 40, was present at a friend’s residence when an assailant fired shots at the doorstep. It is believed that the intended victim was the woman Joanne was residing with, who had opened the door to the attacker.
The tragic incident occurred on March 9 this year in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Emergency responders were summoned to the scene shortly before 6 pm, where they found Joanne in critical condition. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries on-site. Fortunately, her children were not present during the incident.
Facing trial at Cardiff Crown Court for Joanne’s murder are Marcus Huntley, Kristina Ginova, Joshua Gordon, Melissa Quailey-Dashper, Tony Porter, and Jordan Mills-Smith. All six individuals have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecutor Jonathan Rees KC informed the jury that the shooting was instigated by a clash between two rival drug syndicates operating in the vicinity. The court learned that one of the gangs, known as the Rico OCG, was led by Joshua Gordon, alias Rico or Reece, with his partner Kristina Ginova also involved in their drug activities.
The prosecution highlighted that the Rico OCG, originally based in Leicester, had expanded into South Wales, causing tension with a competing group led by Daniel ‘Jimmy’ Joseph. On the night of the tragic event, the accused individuals were allegedly involved in transporting the gunman to the location where Joanne was staying.
Although Marcus Huntley may have pulled the trigger, the prosecution asserts that all defendants bear joint responsibility for Joanne Penney’s death. It is alleged that each participant played a role in the murder with the intention of causing serious harm to another individual.
Friends of the victim suspect that the real target was the woman Joanne was residing with, as both women share similar physical attributes. The trial is ongoing.