A 17-year-old gangster, Joshua Alexander, was sentenced to 29 years in jail for the tragic killing of 42-year-old Lianne Gordon. The violent crime, in which Alexander shot Gordon through her front door, left the victim’s family reeling, and the young man has shown no remorse for his actions.
When the shooting happened, the first thought that neighbours had is that there was firecracker fire going on. It took the screaming of Gordon’s daughter when she ran out, crying “Someone has killed my mum,” before it all dawned. The brutal murder happened in the house of Gordon at home when Alexander shot her to her death because of turf war with the gang.
In a stunning twist of events, prison officials had found the lyrics penned by Alexander, written on the cell wall, where he sang of taking the life and gloating about that killing. The lyrics in them had “wigging” Gordon and asserted the act had “made Vine Close all messy.” There have been no expressions of remorse even though the murder was a grotesque act. The lyrics did set an image of being insensitive toward the pain inflicted.
Lianne Gordon’s family members showed great pain in victim impact statements presented to the court. Gordon’s mother, Ella Leatham, said that her daughter’s death would be with her “for the rest of her days.” She further went on to express her anger and sadness, saying, “I hope he rots in jail for the rest of his days.”
Louise, Gordon’s twin sister, also had her say. She described how she feels as if she has lost her “other half.” She said that her life now is like an endless battle, recalling the love her sister gave to everyone who knew her. “My mind is still in constant turmoil,” she said.
The familiar background of gang violence was mentioned by the judge, Judge Aubrey, in court during the trial. This case represented a “turf war” between gangs, where the outcome is tragic. “You have murdered an innocent person in her own home,” the judge said to Alexander, pointing out that the man showed no remorse over the murder.
Gordon’s family cheered in court as Alexander was sentenced to 29 years for his crimes. The judge said it was within the public interest to name the teenager, despite his approaching 18th birthday. Alexander will spend his life in jail for the death of this innocent woman.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastation that gang violence can unleash upon innocent lives and families.
