Four people with links to Leicester have been convicted of the murder of a woman who was shot dead in South Wales last year, following a major cross-border investigation.
Joanne Penney, 40, was found seriously injured after being shot in the chest at an address in Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, at around 6.10pm on Sunday, March 9, 2025. Despite the efforts of emergency services, she died at the scene.
Picture credit: South Wales Police
Police investigations revealed that two vehicles — a Nissan Note and a Volvo XC40 — had travelled from the Leicester area to South Wales earlier that day, leaving shortly after the shooting.
At Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday, Kistina Ginova, 23, from Leicestershire; Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester; Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Cardiff; and Joshua Gordon, 27, from Leicestershire, were all found guilty of Joanne Penney’s murder.
Marcus Huntley, 21, from St Mellons in Cardiff, had previously admitted murder and participating in criminal activity as part of an organised crime group. He will be sentenced at a later date.
A sixth defendant, Tony Porter, 69, from Leicestershire, was found not guilty of murder. However, all six defendants were convicted of being part of an organised crime group.
Following the verdicts, Joanne Penney’s family paid tribute to the 40-year-old, describing her as a “daughter, mother, sister and niece” who was “loved deeply by all who knew her”.
They added: “Her kindness, strength, and love for her family will never be forgotten. During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees praised the investigation team, saying: “This has been a very tough and thorough investigation. Today’s convictions reflect the diligence and hard work of the investigation and prosecution teams.
“While we recognise these convictions won’t bring Joanne back, we do hope this outcome goes some way towards allowing her family to grieve.”
Sentencing is expected to take place at a later date.
