A man has been jailed for fatally shooting his cousin and wounding another man at a wake in Hammersmith, after Met detectives linked him to the crime using CCTV and DNA evidence.

This outcome highlights the Met’s commitment to tackling gun violence on London’s streets.

Jahmel Joseph, 29, shot dead 30-year-old Jordan Rodney in Hammersmith following an argument. He also shot another man in the face. Having traced his movements via CCTV, officers located him the following day, and were able to arrest him after a pursuit in Isleworth.

On Thursday, June 18, a judge at the Old Bailey jailed Joseph for life with a minimum term of 39 years. A jury at the same court previously convicted him of murder, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, dangerous driving and possessing a prohibited firearm on Wednesday, 13 May.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who led the investigation, said: “Our thoughts today are with the family of Jordan Rodney, and with the other victim in the case.

“Jahmel Joseph left behind a trail of utter destruction – one which claimed the life of his own cousin.

“It is a credit to the investigation team and armed response officers that Joseph was swiftly identified and arrested, and that his actions will not go unpunished.

“Despite his efforts to conceal his identity – wearing a motorcycle helmet and removing the numberplates from his getaway motorbike – our exhaustive CCTV enquiries and discovery of the murder weapon forced him to admit his guilt.”

In a statement, the victim’s family said: “Today’s sentence brings some measure of justice, but nothing can lessen the devastating loss of Jordan. He was a wonderful character who could light up any room with his wit, humour and kindness. He will be deeply and truly missed every day by his parents, brothers, girlfriend, family and friends.

“We would like to thank the officers and staff of the Metropolitan Police Service for their hard work, dedication and the support they have given to Jordan’s parents, brothers and girlfriend throughout this incredibly difficult time.

“We would also like to thank the staff at the Old Bailey, Witness Services, counsel and the judge for the kindness, dignity and respect.”

At around 23:20hrs on Wednesday, 11 June, 2025, police were called to a wake in Claxton Grove, Hammersmith, following reports of a shooting.

Jordan Rodney was treated at the scene for gunshot wounds – alongside another man, also aged in his 30s.

Both victims were taken to hospital, where Jordan sadly died the following day. The second man survived with minor injuries.

After making urgent CCTV enquiries, officers were able to piece together the events of the evening. A man had pulled up on a black motorcycle and fired on the two victims, before driving away.

Although the killer had taken pains to prevent himself being identified, footage recovered by investigators showed the motorcycle returning to Eaton Rise, Ealing – home of Jordan Rodney’s cousin, Jahmel Joseph.

Joseph had attended the wake earlier that day, where he had an argument with Jordan, leading to him being ejected from the venue.

Joseph travelled home in a car before getting on a motorcycle and heading back to the venue, where he carried out the shootings.

Early on Thursday, 12 June, a police pursuit ensued after a traffic camera flagged Joseph’s car in Isleworth. Joseph crashed into a number of vehicles, before decamping in South Street and fleeing on foot.

Officers found him in a garden in Tolson Road, where he was and arrested him shortly afterwards. A black bag containing the shotgun used in the shooting was found nearby. Forensic officers subsequently found his DNA on the weapon.