A Birmingham man has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years for opening fire at mourners attending the funeral of 17-year-old Akeem Bailey, who was killed during a street dispute. Meshaq Berryman, aged 22, was involved in what the court described as part of a planned attack stemming from gang rivalry.
The incident occurred on February 24, 2023, at St Mary's Church Hall in Handsworth, Birmingham, shortly after 6 PM. Berryman, who was affiliated with the 9Boyz gang, fired four shots from the back of a stolen Nissan Qashqai, targeting members of the rival gang, Armed Response. The chaos ensued left three young men injured and caused panic among the mourners, leading to the trampling of a 14-year-old girl.
Judge Melbourne Inman, during sentencing at Birmingham Crown Court, depicted the shooting as yet another example of the rampant gang violence blighting the city. "Sadly, this is yet another case of very serious violence involving the use of firearms between street gangs within this city. Gang violence is a scourge of this city, as it is elsewhere," Judge Inman stated. He emphasized the calculated nature of Berryman's actions, saying it was not random but part of a strategy aimed at killing individuals from the rival gang who were expected to be present at the wake.
The mourners had gathered to pay their respects to Akeem Bailey, who, it was clarified, had no gang affiliations but was tragically murdered the previous October during another gang-related incident. The judge highlighted the innocence of Bailey, making it clear to the court, "the victim was wholly innocent and wasn't a member of any gang."
Prosecutor Lisa Hancox stated the shooting was indicative of the continuous turf war between the 9Boyz and Armed Response gangs. During the trial, video recordings and forensic evidence tied Berryman not just to the crime, but to previous drug dealing activities as well, adding weight to his offenses.
CCTV footage revealed the scene's harrowing aftermath as attendees scattered for safety, with desperate attempts to help the injured. One victim, aged 19, was shot through the arm and sustained lasting damage to his lung, requiring surgery to remove the bullet. Another victim, also 19, was shot in the foot and reported prolonged difficulties with mobility and anxiety following the incident. The third victim had his leg injured as he faced the chaos.
The psychological impact of the shooting extended beyond physical injuries. The mother of one of the injured men recounted the moment her daughter was caught up in the chaos, suffering neck injuries during the frantic escape of attendees. The young girl is reportedly living with post-traumatic stress disorder and has struggled with her mental health ever since, expressing fear when confronted with noise and crowds.
Detective Inspector Francis Nock of the West Midlands Police described the shooting as targeted and noted it could have easily resulted in fatalities, emphasizing there was no regard for human life. Such violence, he warned, not only affects the direct victims but casts long shadows of fear and anxiety over the community at large.
Compounding Berryman's grim history was evidence presented during the trial showing his involvement in drug trafficking. Following police searches of his residence, authorities recovered substantial amounts of crack cocaine and cannabis, alongside weapons associated with gang activity. During his defense, Berryman was described as having faced significant hardships growing up, with his lawyer arguing such adversities contributed to his choices. Nonetheless, the judge maintained the gravity of the violence warranted serious consequences.
At the sentencing, Judge Melbourne concluded by emphasizing Berryman's unwillingness to take responsibility. Despite pleading guilty to drug possession charges, he continued to deny involvement in the shooting itself, showing no remorse throughout the proceedings, which the judge labeled as indicative of his dangerous character.
This incident not only reflects the personal devastation wrought on individuals and families but serves as a broader commentary on the culture of violence engulfing parts of Birmingham. It raises urgent questions about gang prevention and intervention strategies needed to address this cyclical violence effectively.
The impact of Berryman's actions, which culminated during what should have been a solemn occasion, highlights the dire need for concerted community efforts and law enforcement initiatives aimed at eradicuring gang violence and providing safer spaces for vulnerable communities. The court's response to this case, with its severe sentencing, aims to send a message about the zero tolerance for violence fueled by gang rivalries.