Tributes have been paid to a “brilliant” mother who was brutally shot in a shocking drive-by shooting.
Michelle Sadio, 46, died at the scene of the shooting in Brent, northwest London, at around 9.15pm on Saturday.
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She was among 120 churchgoers leaving a service at River of Life Elim Pentecostal Church when the gun horror occurred.
According to police, two men, both in their 30s, were also injured in the shooting and one is currently fighting for his life in the hospital.
Tributes have now poured in for mother-of-two Michelle, from Walthamstow, east London, following her tragic death.
Yesterday her devastated husband Jean-Marie told of his shock at the loss of his wife in the recent gun chaos in London.
The commercial disputes expert said: “I am in shock. How could this happen?
“Nobody has more respect for life.
“I had to tell my children that this tragedy caused them to lose their mother.”
A friend said: “Michelle was a light in our lives. She loved her children and worked hard to give them a happy life.
“She doesn’t deserve this. Nobody does it. She was a brilliant mother.”
A Met Police spokesman said: “A murder investigation is ongoing following a shooting in Brent.
“At around 9.15pm on Saturday, December 14, police were called to reports of a shooting on Gifford Road, NW10.
“A woman was found with serious injuries – despite the efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Although formal identification has not yet been made, officers are confident she is 46-year-old Michelle Sadio. Her family is being supported by specialist officers.”
“Two men, both over 30 years old, also sustained injuries. One remains in hospital in critical condition, the other man's injuries are not life-threatening.”
There have been no arrests so far in connection with the shooting.
In a video obtained by The Sun, a car drives up to the large group before seven gunshots are heard, causing panic among the large group of churchgoers.
“CHAOS AND PANDEMONIUM”
As many begin to flee and seek shelter, the desperate cries of a woman can be heard.
The black car sneaks around the corner and targets the victims who were attending a funeral service in the church opposite.
Within seconds, Michelle was dead and two men in their 30s were seriously injured by the volley.
Hours after the shooting, a distraught relative arrived at the scene and was heard screaming, “Tell me this isn't real,” before being comforted by police.
Pastor Lawrence Larbie said the injured were visiting on Saturday to mourn a senior member of the church.
He said: “There was chaos and mayhem. The meeting came to an abrupt end. People knew the people who were shot.”
He added: “They came with very deadly, evil intentions to cause death.”
A neighbor said: “People were coming out of the church, they were at the wake and saw the bodies on the ground.
“I heard a lot of crying and screaming.”
“IT DOESN’T FEEL SAFE”
Another fearful resident, 50, said: “I just hope whoever was killed was innocent and there isn't any back and forth.”
A resident who lives nearby and did not want to be named said he heard five shots in a row.
Another terrified local said her daughter had returned home just minutes before the scare.
She said: “My daughter came through the door ten minutes before it happened.
“My son thought there were fireworks, then I heard my neighbor screaming and I realized there was a shooting.
“It's crazy, it's sad. It’s scary, it doesn’t feel safe.”
“I’ve lived here since 2008 and I’ve never heard anything like it.”
Yesterday, forensic investigators were seen combing the crime scene and looking under cars. A white and yellow evidence tent was also spotted on the street.
Superintendent Tony Josephs, from the North West Command Unit, which looks after Brent, said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which one woman has been killed and two others injured and I understand the concern this has caused to the local community and residents all of London will prepare.”
“I would like to reassure people that a team of experienced investigators is already working diligently to piece together the events of last night and determine who is responsible for this heinous act of violence.”
“If you were in or near Gifford Road at the time of the shooting or have any information about who was responsible, please contact us.
“A family is devastated and we must work together to give them answers.”
Video from the scene of the accident on Sunday morning shows that roads are still closed as forensic investigators continue to search the scene.
Police cars and officers also remain on the street.
Anyone with information that could help police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD7137/14Dec.
You can also give tips anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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