Joanne Penney, 40, who was described as a ‘popular and well-known person’ in her community died in Talbot Green, Wales, on March 9 after suffering a gunshot wound to her chest
A 40-year-old woman who was shot dead on a housing estate in Wales was found lying on her back in the living room by a police officer who raced to the scene.
Joanne Penney had suffered a gun shot wound to her chest at the block of flats in Green Park, Talbot Green, on March 9. Despite paramedics arriving on scene, the mum-of-four could not be saved and was pronounced dead shortly after officers made the discovery at around 6.10pm.
A post-mortem examination carried out the following day found her provisional cause of death to be a “gunshot wound to left chest, involving heart and left lung pending toxicology and microscopy”. Penney, who was originally from Aberdare but did not have her own home, was identified by her family on March 12.
She was described as a popular and well-known person within the Green Park community.
Senior coroner Graeme Hughes said Penney’s death clearly involved “violence” and adjourned the inquest due to ongoing criminal investigations. He said: “Based on the evidence heard I have reason to suspect that Ms Penney died due to violence and so I am duty bound to continue this investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and conclude that by way of inquest. However I am cognisant that individuals have been charged and so under statute I am suspending this investigation pending the outcome of those criminal proceedings.”
Six defendants, five of whom have been charged with murder and one with assisting them, have been remanded in custody ahead of a trial which could last between six and eight weeks. The trial is due to be held at the end of October, and a provisional date for a plea and trial preparation hearing has been set for July 7, WalesOnline reports.
Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester, Joshua Gordon, 27, from Oadby, Tony Porter, 68, from Braunstone Town, Jordan Mills-Smith, 32, from Pentwyn, and Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons, are all charged with murder. Kristina Ginova, 21, from Oadby, is charged with assisting an offender.
Ms Penney’s heartbroken family said: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Joanne. She was a daughter, mother, sister, and niece – loved deeply by all who knew her. 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. We appreciate the support and condolences from the community and kindly request that our family be given the space to mourn in peace. We would be grateful if anyone with information could share this with the police investigation team. Thank you for respecting our wishes.”
