A man has been accused of murder after a woman was shot dead outside of a church in Brent as she attended a wake. Police were called to the shooting in Gifford Road between Harlesden and Willesden at around 9.15pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024.
44-year-old Michelle Sadio was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men, both aged in their 30s, suffered severe injuries.
On Wednesday, January 8, Tahjin Sommersal, of Lafone Avenue, Feltham was arrested in connection with the shooting. The following Saturday (January 11) the 18-year-old was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder ad possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday (January 13). Sommersal will appear again at the Old Bailey today (Wednesday, January 15).
This morning, five more people were arrested at addresses in Brent and Hounslow in connection with the murder. All of these suspects are men between the ages of 18 and 33.
The police were called at around 9.15pm on Saturday, December 14, to reports of a shooting in Gifford Road between Harlesden and Willesden. The shooting took place outside a church, where Michelle and others were standing after a wake that happened inside the church.
In its most recent statement, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “A man has been charged with the murder of Michelle Sadio following a fatal shooting in Brent on 14 December.
“Tahjin Sommersal, 18 (27.05.2006) of Lafone Avenue, Feltham was arrested on Wednesday, 8 January. On Saturday, 11 January he was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
“He was remanded in custody and appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 January. He will appear again at the Old Bailey this afternoon (Wednesday, 15 January).
“There were exceptional reasons why it was not possible to publish the details of the charge before now. This morning, a further five people were arrested at addresses in Brent and Hounslow in connection with the murder.
“They are all men – two aged 18 and the others aged 21, 24 and 33. They remain in custody. Michelle’s family have been updated on the above developments and continue to be supported by specialist officers.”
Sign up to our London Court & Crime newsletter for the latest major court updates and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up HERE