Four people remanded into custody accused of murdering woman

Four people have been remanded into custody accused of murdering a woman who was shot dead in what may be a case of mistaken identity.

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 the murder of Joanne Penney.

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

A fifth person has also been charged in connection with the investigation, South Wales Police said.

They all appeared before Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and were remanded into custody by magistrates.

The defendants were ordered to appear before Cardiff Crown Court on March 18.

Ms Penney, 40, died after being shot in the chest at an address in Llys Illtyd, in Talbot Green, South Wales, on Sunday evening.

Emergency services attended the scene to find Ms Penney with serious injuries and she was pronounced dead.

On Monday, neighbours took flowers to the cordon and described their shock at the incident.

Some said they had heard a gunshot in the area, which is close to a retail park.

Detectives have also made a seventh arrest, with a 32-year-old man arrested on Friday evening in the Suffolk area.

Detective Chief Superintendent Ceri Hughes said: “Our team of detectives and specialist staff are continuing to piece together the circumstances behind Joanne’s tragic death, and I would still urge anyone who has information, either about her death or what happened at the property in Llys Illtyd on Sunday evening, to come forward – the smallest piece of information could be of vital importance.

“I would like to thank the local community for their support of the investigation so far and to everyone who has spoken to us and provided information.”

Earlier this week, her family paid tribute to her.

“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,” they said.

“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.”