Identity of Woman Fatally Shot in London Triple Shooting Revealed

The Metropolitan Police have identified Michelle Sadio as the woman who died after being fatally shot during a triple shooting incident that occurred outside a church in north-west London on Saturday night. Ms. Sadio, aged 44, was discovered with severe injuries and pronounced dead at the location. This occurred after police officers responded to calls reporting gunfire around 21:15 GMT in Harlesden’s Gifford Road. In the same incident, two men, both in their thirties, suffered serious injuries; one of these individuals is currently in critical condition. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. While formal identification of Ms. Sadio is still pending, the Met Police have expressed confidence regarding her identity. The police force confirmed that specialist officers are providing support to her family. The BBC has learned that the shooting took place following a gathering at the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church, also located on Gifford Road. The church building and its vicinity remain sealed off as police investigations proceed. According to one local resident who spoke to the BBC, the sound of “people screaming” was audible from the area of the church. Other residents reported hearing what they believed to be fireworks during the incident. A different resident stated hearing five consecutive gunshots. Dawn Butler, the local Member of Parliament for Brent East, commented that the event “really has devastated the community.” She informed BBC London, stating: “Everyone we speak to has got tears in their eyes – it’s really very tragic. “Some feel like they want to move, some feel that they just need reassurance that it’s safe to be around here – and it really is a close community, so neighbours talk to each other they smile they have a joke, so it’s a shame that something like this has happened.” Susan Jones informed the BBC that she had recently relocated to the vicinity with her partner and sons. She characterized the incident as both shocking and concerning. She further stated: “Having three boys already, raising them is tricky anyway…but the area counts a lot… it kind of made me feel a bit shaken and insecure about the whole thing.” Superintendent Tony Josephs of the Met Police labeled the shooting as “truly shocking.” He also mentioned that the incident would likely generate apprehension locally and expressed his hope that witnesses would provide information. He affirmed: “I want to reassure people that a team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events and identify whoever was responsible for this heinous act of violence.” Ms. Sadio is thought to be the first female fatality from gun violence in London since Lianne Gordon, a 43-year-old mother from Hackney, was shot through her front door in December of the previous year. Ms. Gordon was the sole female victim of gun crime in London from 2019 to 2023, a timeframe during which 55 men were killed by similar means. Although gun crime targeting females is uncommon, recent non-fatal incidents of note include the shooting of an eight-year-old girl in Ladbroke Grove in November and a nine-year-old girl in Dalston in May. Reporting was also contributed by Freddy Tennyson. For the best of BBC Radio London, tune into Sounds, and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.