MOTHER-OF-FOUR SHOT DEAD IN CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY’ AS SHE ANSWERED HER FRIEND’S FRONT DOOR

A mother-of-four died after being shot in the chest as she opened her friend's front door, an inquest has heard. 

Former shop worker Joanne Penney, 40, was staying at a flat allegedly used as a drugs den when a gunman shot her on the doorstep.

Friends believe the real target was a woman Joanne was staying with at the property in South Wales and she died because she opened the door to the killer.

An inquest opened into her death today at South Wales Central Coroner's Court in Pontypridd heard she died of injuries to her heart and lung. 

Coroner's officer Beverly Morgan said police were called to 'a reported shooting' where Joanne was staying in Talbot Green at around 6.10pm on Sunday, March 9.

She added: 'On arrival of emergency services, they found Joanne Penney lying on her back unresponsive in the living room area.

'She had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite efforts of emergency services, she was later pronounced deceased.'

Five people have been charged with Joanne's murder, while one has been accused of assisting an offender.

Graeme Hughes, senior coroner for South Wales Central, adjourned the inquest for further police investigations to be carried out.

He said: 'Based on that evidence I have sufficient reason to suspect that Ms Penney's death was due to violence, so I am duty-bound to continue the investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

'However, I am cognisant that individuals have been arrested and charged and so I will suspend this investigation pending the conclusion of those criminal proceedings.

'I wish to pass on my own condolences to Ms Penney's family and friends.'  

Jordan Mills-Smith, 32, from Pentwyn, Cardiff; Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons, Cardiff; Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester; Joshua Gordon, 27, from Oadby, Leicestershire; and Tony Porter, 68, from Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, have all been charged with murder.

Porter has also been charged with participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group.

Kristina Ginova, 21, from Oadby, Leicestershire, has been charged with assisting an offender.

A trial date has been set for October 20, with proceedings expected to last six to eight weeks.

Following the incident, neighbours took flowers to a cordon at the scene and described their shock.
Some said they had heard a gunshot in the area, which is close to a retail park.

In a tribute, Ms Penney's 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.'