Six people have been jailed for the murder of a woman in Talbot Green, in the largest murder sentencing ever seen in Wales.
In total, the group were jailed for a minimum of 157 years and 146 days, following a three-day sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court.
The court heard how, on March 9, 2025, at 6.10pm, Police were called to an address at Llys Illtyd, Talbot Green, where a woman – 40-year-old Joanne Penney – was seriously injured having been shot to the chest. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she died at the scene.
During the subsequent investigation, South Wales Police identified that two cars – a Nissan Note and a Volvo XC40 – travelled from the Leicester area sometime after 10.30am on Sunday, March 9, into South Wales before leaving shortly after the incident took place.
These cars were linked to an organised crime group that were dealing drugs in the Talbot Green area. Joanne Penney’s death was a result of a drugs feud between organised crime groups from Leicester and South Wales.
Extensive investigation by South Wales Police’s Major Crime team identified a total of 12 people who have been convicted in connection, six of them who were convicted of murder and sentenced today.
Marcus Huntley, 21, from St Mellons, Cardiff, had already pleaded guilty to murder and participating in the activities of an organised group and was sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years and 146 days, and two years five months to be served concurrently.
Renaldo Baptiste, 39 from London, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 42 years for murder after being found guilty. He had also previously pleaded guilty to participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group; for this he was sentenced to two years ten months to be served concurrently.
Kistina Ginova, 23 from Leicestershire, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 12 years for murder and 10 months to be served concurrently for participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group after being found guilty.
Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 40, from Leicester, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years for murder and 22 months to be served concurrently for participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group after being found guilty.
Jordan Mills-Smith, 33, from Cardiff, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 27 years for murder after being found guilty. He had also previously pleaded guilty to participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group; for this he was sentenced to two years and three months to be served concurrently.
Joshua Gordon, 27, from Leicestershire, was sentenced to life with a minimum of 32 years for murder and three years 10 months to be served concurrently for participating in the criminal activities of an organised crime group after being found guilty.
The family have released the following statement:
“As a family we continue to live with the devastating loss of Joanne, whose life was taken from us in a senseless shooting.
“Her loss has left an irreplaceable gap in our family, and the pain of losing her is something we will carry with us every day.
“Nothing can ever make up for what has been taken from us or bring Joanne back to those who loved her.
“Joanne 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.
“We would like to thank the police for their professionalism, dedication, and support throughout this investigation. Their efforts have been greatly appreciated through this incredibly difficult time.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lianne Rees said:
“Our thoughts remain firmly with Joanne’s family, who have shown immense strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable loss. Joanne’s life was taken in a ruthless act of violence, and nothing can undo the pain her loved ones continue to feel.
“This case lays bare the devastating consequences of organised crime. Those responsible showed a complete disregard for human life and for the safety of our communities. Let this sentence serve as a stark warning — if you bring violence, drugs and firearms into South Wales, we will relentlessly pursue you, dismantle your networks, and ensure you face the full consequences of your actions.
“I want to thank the officers and staff involved in this investigation, alongside colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service and prosecution counsel. Their professionalism, determination, and focus have been critical in securing justice for Joanne and her family.
“We are committed to working tirelessly to protect our communities and to holding those responsible for serious violence fully to account.”
