The tranquil atmosphere of a wake held at the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church in Brent, West London, was shattered on the evening of December 14, 2024, when a drive-by shooting claimed the life of 44-year-old Michelle Sadio and left two others injured. Michelle, a mother of two from Walthamstow, East London, was among approximately 120 attendees leaving the church service when a vehicle approached and opened fire. The incident, which occurred around 9:15 pm, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a swift investigation by the Metropolitan Police. The two other victims, both men in their 30s, were also hospitalized, one in critical condition.
The Metropolitan Police acted quickly, gathering evidence and pursuing leads. Their efforts resulted in the arrests and subsequent charges of four individuals in connection with Michelle’s murder. Perry Allen-Thomas, 26, from Wembley, was charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Amir Salem, 18, and Shaquille Sutherland, 24, also from Wembley, face the same charges. These three individuals appeared before the Willesden Magistrates Court, with Salem and Sutherland subsequently remanded into custody pending further hearings at the Old Bailey.
Earlier in the investigation, 18-year-old Tahjin Sommersal from Feltham had already been charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He appeared at the Old Bailey in connection with these charges. In addition to these four charged individuals, the Metropolitan Police arrested five other individuals in connection with the shooting. Two of these individuals were charged, as detailed above, while the remaining three were released on bail pending further investigation. This demonstrates the breadth and depth of the police’s investigative efforts.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, leading the investigation, expressed gratitude for the community’s cooperation, particularly in providing CCTV footage that proved crucial in advancing the case. This collaboration underscores the importance of community engagement in solving complex crimes and bringing those responsible to justice. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to pursue all available leads to ensure a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to and surrounding the tragic incident.
The shocking incident has left a community in mourning. Michelle’s husband, Jean-Marie Sadio, a commercial disputes expert, expressed his devastation and disbelief, struggling to comprehend the senseless violence that took his wife’s life. He grappled with the heartbreaking task of informing his children that their mother was gone. Friends and family described Michelle as a shining light in their lives, a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children and create a happy home. These sentiments paint a picture of a life tragically cut short, leaving a void in the lives of those who loved and cherished her.
The incident unfolded with chilling swiftness, captured on video footage obtained by The Sun. The footage showed a vehicle approaching a group of churchgoers before multiple shots rang out. Amidst the ensuing chaos and panic, screams could be heard as people fled for safety. The car, described as a black motor, targeted the victims who had been attending the wake held at the church. Hours later, a distraught relative arrived at the scene, overcome with grief and disbelief. Pastor Lawrence Larbie of the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church described the scene inside the church as chaotic and panicked as the service came to an abrupt and tragic end. The shooting left an indelible mark on the community, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence.
