Life in Prison for Claxton Grove Shooter

Jahmel Joseph gunned down his cousin at a wake

Jamal Joseph (left) fatally shot Jordan Rodney (right) . Picture: Met Police

June 19, 2026

A man has been jailed for life for murdering his cousin during a wake in Claxton Grove, which is at the rear of Charing Cross Hospital, in a shooting that left one man dead and another seriously injured.

Ealing resident Jahmel Joseph, 29, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of 39 years for the murder of Jordan Rodney, 30, and the attempted murder of a second man who was shot in the face. The attack took place at around 11.20pm on 11 June 2025, when Joseph arrived at the wake on a black motorcycle and opened fire before speeding away.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene, where both victims were treated for gunshot wounds. Jordan Rodney was taken to hospital but died the following day. The second man survived with minor injuries.

Detectives launched urgent CCTV enquiries, tracing the movements of the Yamaha motorcycle through Hammersmith’s streets. Although the gunman had removed the number plates and wore a motorcycle helmet, investigators were able to track the bike’s route and reconstruct the events of the night.

Footage showed the motorcycle arriving at Claxton Grove shortly before the shooting and fleeing moments later. Further CCTV captured the bike returning to an address in Eaton Rise, Ealing, linking it to Joseph, who had been ejected from the wake earlier that day following an argument with his cousin.

The following morning, a traffic camera in Isleworth flagged Joseph’s car, prompting a police pursuit. He crashed into several vehicles before abandoning the car in South Street and attempting to escape on foot. Officers found him hiding in a garden in Tolson Road, where he was arrested. A black bag containing the shotgun used in the killing was found nearby, and forensic analysis confirmed Joseph’s DNA on the weapon.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila said Joseph had “left behind a trail of utter destruction”, praising the swift work of officers and armed response teams who brought him into custody.

The motive for the attack remains unclear but there had been a row earlier in the evening with Joseph arguing with Jordan before a relative intervened and told him to go home.

Jurors were told Joseph had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and was prescribed medication. His defence had argued that he was in a psychotic state and believed that Jordan, his family and later the police intended to kill him. The jury rejected this explanation, finding that Joseph was legally responsible for his actions.

In a statement, Jordan Rodney’s family said: “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.”

The Met said the case demonstrates its determination to tackle gun violence and ensure those responsible for fatal shootings on London’s streets are held to account.