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A man facing allegations of murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Talbot Green has told the jury that he observed a firearm two days prior to the incident. Joanne Penney, aged 40, was fatally shot on 9 March while opening the door to a flat at Llys Illtyd in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Authorities have linked the killing to a turf war involving competing drug gangs.
During proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Jordan Mills-Smith recounted that he only became aware that someone had been shot when he “heard a bang.” Mills-Smith, among five defendants standing trial, denies any involvement in the murder. Other individuals charged include Joshua Gordon (27), Tony Porter (69), Melissa Quailey-Dashper (40), and Kristina Ginova (21), all from Leicester, who also deny the murder allegations. Additionally, Gordon, Quailey-Dashper, Ginova, and Porter dispute charges related to participating in the activities of an organised crime group. One defendant, Marcus Huntley, 21, from St Mellons, Cardiff, has pleaded guilty to murder, with forensic evidence placing his DNA on the weapon and gloves linked to the crime.
Mills-Smith, 33, a Cardiff resident, told the court he had been involved in a drug-selling scheme but stepped away from it without profiting. Despite this, he admitted that Huntley was frequently at the house where he lived and that two days before the shooting, on 7 March, he saw a gun while cleaning at his grandmother’s home. Concerned, he told Huntley to remove the weapon. He described the day of the shooting saying he had gone out to play football around noon, leaving others in his house. Upon returning, he found a group gathered in his kitchen discussing stealing money and drugs, but no mention was made of firearms or violence.
Mills-Smith stated he agreed to be involved in the plan because he needed money. According to his testimony, Huntley said it would be “in and out” and that Melissa Quailey-Dashper would be tasked with knocking on the door to gain access. Mills-Smith was driven to Talbot Green along with Huntley, Quailey-Dashper, Porter, and Joshua Gordon. He described the car journey as lighthearted, with “laughing and joking” and no discussions of weapons or violence. At the location, Mills-Smith acted as a lookout while Quailey-Dashper knocked on the door. He did not notice any firearm and, after hearing the door open and a bang, he ran. He said he later saw Huntley hide something down his trousers, realizing it was likely a gun. That evening, Mills-Smith received a message informing him that someone had died. He insisted he had never met Penney and had no motive to harm her, and denied ever hearing the shooting discussed in his presence. He expressed sorrow about the death, stating, “It’s devastating, no-one should die, not like that, that’s just crazy.” The trial continues
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