A cold-blooded gang gunman has been jailed for 33 years after high-tech digital forensics pinned him to a 2020 Hackney shooting.
Five innocent young men were caught in the crossfire during a vicious gang clash – one was left permanently blinded.
‘Billy Billions’ Locked Up
Bailey McKenzie, aka ‘Billy Billions’, 28, of no fixed address, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on 2 October. He was convicted of conspiracy to murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
McKenzie was found guilty in July after a three-week trial. His latest 33-year sentence combines earlier guilty verdicts, sealing his fate.
Tech Breakthrough Cracks Case
Three of McKenzie’s gang mates had already been locked up for the shooting. But it was cutting-edge digital forensic tech, introduced in 2023, that finally nailed McKenzie – despite him not being physically at the scene.
The new tech gave cops fresh evidence linking McKenzie to the shooting, proving his key role behind the scenes.
Detective Superintendent Matthew Webb, lead investigator, said: “This shooting was harrowing and has transformed the lives of victims and their loved ones forever. These four men showed zero remorse for hurting innocent people.”
“I thank the victims and their families for their patience. Hopefully, the long sentences give some comfort that justice has been done.”
“My team and the CPS showed incredible determination. These harsh sentences reflect their hard work.”
“McKenzie used his ‘Billy Billions’ persona to orchestrate violent gang disputes. He does not own the streets – we will stop all violent offenders.”
Gang Violence Sparks Tragedy
McKenzie, Reuel Briscoe, Julien Kalala, and Dalvane Greenaway formed a gang in Hackney’s E8 postcode. They fanned flames of violence online before the December 2020 shooting.
On 14 December 2020, Briscoe, Kalala, and Greenaway drove to Middleton Road, believing rival gang members were inside a car. They sprayed bullets into the vehicle and sped off.
Inside the car were five innocent men celebrating a birthday – aged 21 to 22 – with no gang ties. Three were shot, one suffered permanent, life-altering injuries.
Investigators tracked the attackers via CCTV and arrested Briscoe the next day. Forensic phone analysis uncovered a gang chat planning violent acts, including this shooting.
Victim’s family said in a statement: “Before the shooting, he was an outgoing young man, studying to be an accountant. They took away his future. He had so much to offer society and was loved by many.”
Other Sentences
- Reuel Briscoe, 32, sentenced October 2022 to at least 34 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
- Dalvane Greenaway, 24, jailed July 2023 for 28 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
- Julien Kalala, 27, sentenced July 2023 to 34 years for conspiracy to murder and firearm offences.
