A swift police investigation has resulted in the identification, apprehension, and charging of a gunman within 72 hours of a near-fatal shooting incident. Shea Williams, 31, of Cedar Road, NW2, appeared at Isleworth Crown Court where he was sentenced to 31 years in jail for attempted murder. Williams had previously been found guilty at a trial in April.
In addition to the attempted murder charge, Williams received a 13-year sentence for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, 39 months for possession of ammunition, and 45 months for two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. All the sentences will run concurrently.
Detective Constable Jonny Wise, who led the investigation, described Williams as one of London’s most dangerous criminals who showed no remorse and refused to accept his guilt throughout the proceedings. The detective highlighted the severity of the crime, stating that Williams brought a loaded firearm to a party, pursued and shot an unarmed individual multiple times. Williams then approached the injured victim, shooting him several more times at close range with the intention to kill. Fortunately, the victim survived the attack due to sheer luck.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. The case serves as an example of law enforcement’s commitment to combating serious violence and removing deadly weapons from the hands of organised criminals.
The incident occurred at approximately 7.30am on Saturday, October 30, 2021, when Williams and two other individuals chased a 30-year-old man out of a Halloween silent disco at an address on Hillfield Avenue, Wembley. Williams produced a self-loading handgun and fired multiple shots at the victim as they fled.
Following the incident, the Metropolitan Police’s Trident shootings team launched an investigation. Although part of the attack was captured on a doorbell camera, the footage was too distant to identify the suspects. However, diligent work by a small team of detectives, who analyzed CCTV footage and conducted extensive inquiries, led to a breakthrough.
The investigators discovered that a traffic warden had captured the number plates of the suspect’s car on his body camera while issuing a ticket for illegal parking shortly before the shooting. This crucial information allowed the police to trace the vehicle’s owner, leading them to Williams. Within 72 hours of the incident, Williams was identified, apprehended, and charged.
Subsequent evidence gathering involved mobile phone inquiries, analysis of GPS and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) data, and the seizure of Williams’ car. Inside the vehicle, officers found a sophisticated hideout containing drugs, and a forensic examination revealed the presence of gunshot residue.
The victim sustained seven gunshot wounds and underwent emergency surgery before recovering. However, he has been left with life-changing injuries as a result of the attack.
During the trial, two other men were acquitted of attempted murder charges.
