Ealing Man Jailed for Life for Gunning Down Cousin

Jahmel Joseph shot Jordan Rodney while he was at a wake

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

A man from Ealing has been jailed for life for murdering his cousin and shooting another man during a wake, after detectives traced him back to his home in Eaton Rise using CCTV and DNA evidence.

Jahmel Joseph, 29, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of 39 years for the murder of 30‑year‑old Jordan Rodney, attempted murder, firearms offences and dangerous driving. The killing took place during a wake in Hammersmith on 11 June 2025, but it was Joseph’s return to his home address in Eaton Rise, Ealing, that proved pivotal in identifying him as the gunman.

Detectives pieced together CCTV footage showing a black motorcycle leaving the scene of the shooting and later returning to Eaton Rise. The footage linked the bike to Joseph, who had attended the wake earlier that day and had been ejected following an argument with his cousin. He then travelled home, collected a motorcycle and returned to the venue armed with a shotgun.

Jordan Rodney was shot and later died in hospital. A second man, also in his 30s, survived after being shot in the face.

Joseph fled the scene, but the following morning a traffic camera flagged his car in Isleworth, triggering 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 was discovered nearby, and forensic analysis later confirmed Joseph’s DNA on the weapon.

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.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, who led the investigation, said Joseph had “left behind a trail of utter destruction”, praising the work of officers who quickly identified and arrested him despite his attempts to conceal his identity.

In a statement, Jordan Rodney’s family said the sentence brought “some measure of justice”, describing him as “a wonderful character who could light up any room with his wit, humour and kindness”.