Man, 18, arrested over murder of Michelle Sadio, 44, killed after gunman opened fire in drive-by shooting outside wake

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Moment gunman pulls up to wake and kills mum in horror drive by shooting as terrified churchgoers flee” cover_image=”https://thesun-develop.gtabloiddev.dowjones.io/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/moment-gunman-pulls-up-to-wake-and-kills-mum-in-horror-drive-by-shooting-as-terrified-churchgoers-flee.jpg” cover_image_id=”32688437″ embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366037403112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

AN 18-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested over the drive-by shooting of a mum killed while standing outside a wake.

Michelle Sadio, 44, died during the horror attack in Brent, west London, last month – with two others taken to hospital.

Photo of Michelle Sadio, a shooting victim.
Tragic mum Michelle Sadio was shot dead outside a wake
Surveillance image of a red Kia Niro, involved in a shooting; police are seeking witnesses.
Footage shows the drive-by shooting on Gifford Road, London, last month
Video shows the moment the gunman opens fire
Forensic investigators at a triple shooting crime scene.
Forensics officers at the scene in Harlesden in December

The suspect was detained on Wednesday and remains in custody.

Police were called at around 9.15pm on December 14 last year to reports of the shooting in Gifford Road.

Michelle was among 120 churchgoers leaving a service at River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church when the gun horror took place.

Police said two men, both in their 30s, were also injured in the shooting, with one left fighting for his life in hospital.

FOOTAGE

In a video obtained by The Sun, a car pulls up to the large group before seven gunshots can be heard, causing panic through the large group of churchgoers.

As many begin to flee and seek cover, the desperate screams of a woman can be heard.

The black motor creeps around the corner and hones in on the victims, who had been attending a wake in the church opposite.

Hours after the shooting, a distraught relative arrived at the scene and was heard screaming “tell me this isn’t real” before being consoled by cops.

Pastor Lawrence Larbie said those injured were visiting for the wake of an elderly member of the church.

He said: “There was chaos and pandemonium. The meeting came to an abrupt end. People knew the persons who had been shot.”

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Horror as triple shooting leaves woman dead & two men suffering serious injuries – with cops launching hunt for gunman” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366021533112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

He added: “They came with very deadly, evil intentions to cause death.”

A neighbour said: “People came out of the church, they were at a wake and they saw the bodies on the ground.

“I heard a lot of crying and screaming.”

TRIBUTES

Tributes poured in for mum-of-two Michelle, from Walthamstow, east London, after her tragic death.

Her devastated husband Jean-Marie told of his shock of losing his wife in London’s latest gun chaos.

The commercial disputes expert said: “I am in shock. How could this have happened?

“No one has any respect for life anymore.

“I had to tell my children that this tragedy has taken their mother away.”

One pal said: “Michelle was a light in all of our lives. She adored her children and worked hard to give them a happy life.

“She didn’t deserve this. No one does. She was a brilliant mum.”

Following the arrest, Michelle’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, cops have said.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who leads the investigation, said: “While this arrest marks a significant step forward in this investigation we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Michelle’s murder to come forward and speak to us.

“This was senseless act of violence that resulted in an innocent woman being killed.

“Michelle’s family continue to grieve and we are determined to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

“If you can help in any way then please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

People fled as the shots rang out
Forensic officers at a murder scene in Harlesden, London.
Forensic officers scouring the floor at the scene for clues
Crime scene in Harlesden with police officers and forensic tent.
Police at the scene the morning after the horror attack
Crime scene on Gifford Road, London, following a shooting.
A first aid kit and other items behind the cordon

Have you been affected by this incident? Email [email protected]


Published