A woman killed in a "truly shocking" triple shooting outside a Harlesden church has been named, stirring fear and sorrow within the community as investigators seek answers.
Michelle Sadio, 46, was identified by police as the victim who died during the heinous act of violence, which also left two men injured. The gunfire erupted outside the River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church on Gifford Road, where mourners had gathered for a wake on Saturday night.
According to Pastor Lawrence Larbie, head of the church, the wake was underway when the tragedy struck. Just before 10 PM, as attendees were preparing to leave, chaos erupted around 9:15 PM, with people rushing inside the church exclaiming, "there's been a shooting, there's been a shooting!" He described how the victims were likely on their way home when they were targeted by gunfire from a passing vehicle.
“It was pandemonium in the building,” Larbie lamented. “They came with very deadly, evil intentions to cause death.” Witnesses reported hearing what they initially thought were firecrackers, only to be confronted with the grim reality of the shooting. One local resident stated, “My son thought there were fireworks, then I heard my neighbor screaming and I realized there was a shooting. It’s crazy, it’s sad. It’s scary, it does not feel safe.”
The Metropolitan Police received the emergency call at approximately 9:15 PM. Arriving officers found Sadio having sustained injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Two men, both aged in their 30s, suffered injuries—one of whom is now critically injured. The other man's condition is reported as non-life threatening.
Superintendent Tony Josephs, from the North West Command Unit which oversees Brent, expressed his shock at the incident, calling it "a truly shocking incident... I understand the concern this will cause the local community and those across London." He reassured the public, saying, “A team of experienced detectives are already working at pace to piece together the events of last night and identify whoever was responsible for this heinous act of violence.”
Residents of Gifford Road described the nightmare scenario as they witnessed the aftermath of the shooting. “We heard crying and screaming as people ran out of the church to tend to the victims,” one neighbor recounted. Another echoed their fears, saying, “I live here since 2008 and I’ve never heard anything like this before.”
The area was cordoned off, allowing forensic teams to comb for evidence throughout Sunday morning. Witnesses reported seeing multiple police officers at the crime scene, gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. Local authorities have urged anyone who might have information about the tragic evening to reach out to the police. “If you were in or around Gifford Road at the time of the shooting, or have any knowledge of who was responsible, please get in contact with us,” Josephs encouraged.
A team of officers continues working tirelessly, piecing together events leading to Sadio's death. Community members are grappling with trauma, mourning the loss of life from what should have been a peaceful gathering to honor their loved ones.
"You’re invited to attend the wake and you end up deceased. You’re killed. You’re gone," lamented Larbie, emphasizing the senseless nature of the violence and the chaos it brought to the community. “We are just praying for peace on our streets and people should not be afraid. We pray they will apprehend them.”
The impact of this shooting reverberates far beyond the immediate loss. Families are left shattered, with friends bound by grief, haunted by memories of laughter now entwined with sorrow. The community rallies with calls for justice and the reassurance of safety, knowing their everyday lives can be turned upside down without warning.
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to call the Metropolitan Police at 101 or contact them via 'X' @MetCC, quoting CAD7137/14Dec. Alternatively, tips can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
This devastating incident stands as another reminder of the urgent need for safety, community vigilance, and effective law enforcement to protect against the tide of violence plaguing neighborhoods.
