Teen murderer who shot mum dead in front of daughter named and jailed for life

Teen Murderer Who Shot Mum Dead in Front of Daughter Named and Jailed for Life

A 17-year-old named Joshua Alexander has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Lianne Gordon, who was shot in the head through her front door while trying to shield her children from a gang feud. The tragic incident took place in East London on December 5, 2023, just after Lianne had returned from a holiday in Jamaica. The Old Bailey heard that she was the unintended victim of a feud between rival gangs in the neighbourhood.

Despite Alexander denying being the gunman, he was found guilty of Ms. Gordon’s murder following a trial at the Old Bailey. Judge David Aubrey KC sentenced him to a minimum of 29 years in prison, stating that it was in the public interest to name him as the perpetrator. During the sentencing, Ms. Gordon’s mother, Ella Leatham, expressed her grief and anger, stating that the loss of her daughter has left a permanent scar on their family.

In a heartbreaking victim impact statement, Ms. Gordon’s sister, Sakara Campbell, addressed Alexander directly, condemning his actions and lack of remorse. The court heard that the shooting was the result of a long-standing dispute between rival gangs in the area, with Alexander being associated with one faction.

Despite wearing a balaclava during the attack, Lianne’s daughter was able to identify Alexander as the killer. She recounted the harrowing moment when her mother was shot, emphasizing the lasting impact of the tragic event on their family. The jury deliberated for 21 hours before finding Alexander guilty of multiple charges, including murder and possession of a firearm.

The judge highlighted the devastating consequences of Alexander’s actions, noting that Lianne was not the intended target and had been innocently caught in the crossfire of the gang conflict. He emphasized the emotional toll on Lianne’s family and the community, underscoring the irreplaceable loss they have suffered.

In conclusion, the case serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of gang violence and the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent further tragedies in communities. It is a tragic reminder of the need for greater support and intervention to protect innocent lives from being lost to senseless violence.