Brave act of protection results in tragic death; 16-year-old charged with murder and attempted murder

In a heartbreaking incident in Hackney, East London, 42-year-old Lianne Gordon lost her life while trying to shield her family from a balaclava-clad gunman. The tragedy unfolded last week when Lianne was shot in the head at her home, an act of violence allegedly carried out by a 16-year-old boy.

The Old Bailey heard that Lianne Gordon heroically attempted to protect her family during the harrowing incident. The teen suspect, reportedly armed with a 9mm self-loading pistol, allegedly arrived on a bike wearing a balaclava. He fired the weapon, injuring two individuals, including 20-year-old Amani Adams-McGuire and a 16-year-old boy.

The court was told that after the initial shootings, the teenager tried to force his way into Ms. Gordon’s home, resorting to shoulder-barging and kicking the door. Despite Lianne’s efforts to keep the door closed for the safety of her family, the assailant managed to enter the property and discharged the firearm, fatally striking Lianne Gordon in the head.

Prosecutor Louise Oakley informed the court about the tragic sequence of events, stating, “Lianne Gordon tried to ensure that the door closed to keep her family safe. She was unable to do so, and [the youth] continued to force his way into that property. He discharged that firearm, and the bullet struck Lianne Gordon in the head.”

Police and paramedics responded to the incident, but Lianne Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene. The two other victims, not related but believed to have known each other, were treated in the hospital and later discharged.

The 16-year-old suspect, detained by the Metropolitan Police on Friday, faces charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Additionally, he is charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

During a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, the defendant appeared via videolink from Feltham young offenders institution. The judge, Angela Rafferty KC, set a timetable for the case, scheduling a plea hearing for March 8 next year and a provisional trial in either June or September. The accused was remanded into youth detention accommodation. The identity of the defendant cannot be published due to his age.