A 17-year-old gangster has been sentenced to 29 years for the shocking murder of Lianne Gordon, a 42-year-old mother shot dead as she attempted to protect her children. The tragic incident unfolded on December 5, 2023, at her home on Vine Close, Hackney, where she fell victim to crossfire stemming from local gang feuds. Neighbors initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks until Gordon's daughter screamed for help, announcing the horror of their reality.
The boy responsible for this heinous act, Joshua Alexander, had previously attempted to murder another gang member nine months before the shooting. Despite not turning 18 until February, the court deemed it necessary to publicize his name due to the gravity of his crimes. Detained and found guilty, Alexander's trial revealed disturbing insights, including evidence of his previous attempts to assert dominance over rival gangs.
At the time of the shooting, Gordon had just returned home from vacation with her family, clinging to the hope of safety. Tragically, she was the unintended target of gang violence. Detectives believe Alexander was on a mission to eliminate members of the opposing gang. Judge David Aubrey KC expressed grave concerns about Alexander's lack of remorse during the trial, citing rap lyrics written by the youth which glorified his violent actions, even going so far as to reference the murder of Gordon.
The heart-wrenching trial provided insight not only on the events of the shooting but also on the aftermath of grief suffered by Gordon's family. Her mother, Ella Leatham, provided a poignant victim impact statement detailing her emotional turmoil, anger, and the void left by Lianne's death. Leatham declared her hope for justice, ardently wishing for Alexander to "rot in jail for the rest of his days."
Inside the court, overwhelming sorrow erupted as family members reacted to Alexander's sentence, with expressions of anguish mixed with demands for justice and accountability. Gordon's twin sister, Louise, described her sister as "a force of nature" and powerfully expressed how the murder had shattered their family, leaving them grappling with unimaginable grief.
Adding to the narrative of tragedy, the court heard testimonies about the chaotic aftermath. On the day of the shooting, as the police arrived, they found Lianne gravely injured and her children traumatized, with one child witnessing the event first-hand. The harrowing detail of her last moments, with her daughter struggling to comprehend the violence, paints a grim picture of the consequences of gang wars.
The prosecution painted the backdrop of gang rivalry, emphasizing the Pembury and A-Road gangs and the long history of violence connected between them. Prosecutor Mark Fenhalls KC underscored how Gordon's murder was symptomatic of this prolonged struggle for power and territory within the community, saying, "this is violence borne from turf wars between gangs". At the time of his arrest, Alexander was discovered to be in possession of Class A drugs along with dangerous weapons, including a machete, highlighting the dangerous life of the young man leading to this violent confrontation.
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who helmed the investigation, reaffirmed the community’s fears, emphasizing Alexander’s disposition as “a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon.” Her remarks reflect larger concerns about the influence of gang culture on young lives, drawing attention to the pressing need for interventions.
The public outcry surrounding the case showcases the ripple effect of such brutal violence within communities. Lianne Gordon is remembered as not just another victim but as someone whose future was cut short because of systemic issues within society, especially pertaining to youth violence and gang involvement. Her legacy serves as a haunting reminder of the innocent lives affected by the brutalities of gang wars, igniting discussions around prevention and community safety measures.
Lianne's friends and family gathered to mourn and celebrate her life at her funeral, where hundreds attended, marking the deep connection she had with the community. This tragedy echoes throughout Hackney, leaving behind memories of laughter and love overshadowed by the haunting memory of violence. The impact of Alexander's actions will linger, both on the family he tore apart and the community grieving for what they have lost.
