In a chilling act of violence that has shaken a community, a London teenager described as “dangerous” has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of a 42-year-old mother of two. The perpetrator, identified as 17-year-old Joshua Alexander, received a minimum term of 29 years for his heinous crime.
The Shocking Crime
The victim, Lianne Gordon, had just returned home from a holiday in Jamaica on December 5, 2023, when tragedy struck. Donning a balaclava to conceal his identity, Alexander arrived at Gordon’s residence in Hackney, east London, and proceeded to shoot her through the front door as she desperately tried to shut it to protect her children inside.
According to sources close to the investigation, Gordon’s 16-year-old daughter, who witnessed the horrifying event, initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks. In a heart-wrenching testimony, she recounted:
“Mum had her hand on the door handle and looked like she was trying to close it. I could see the gun tip through the open door. I saw her drop. I went to her.”
The young witness described the chilling moment she came face-to-face with her mother’s killer:
“As soon as my mum took her last breath and I was still hearing gunshots and that, I opened the front door and I was screaming at him and he stared me directly in my face. He did not say anything. Everything happened in slow motion. We were face on for a few seconds, maybe five, before he ran off.”
The Aftermath and Investigation
In the wake of the shooting, Alexander reportedly made no fewer than 65 searches on news sites and social media related to the incident, using phrases such as “fatal shooting in Hackney” and the victim’s name, “Lianne Gordon.” His actions suggest a disturbing fascination with his own crime.
Just three days after the murder, on December 8, 2023, law enforcement apprehended Alexander at his home. Upon searching the premises, officers discovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including:
- Class A drugs
- A machete
- A “burner” phone
- Various drug paraphernalia
Crucially, a glove found at the property contained both Alexander’s DNA and traces of firearm residue, irrefutably linking him to the fatal shooting. Further damning evidence emerged while the teenager was in custody, as officers uncovered self-congratulatory lyrics he had written, outlining the murder and shootings in shocking detail.
A Life Sentence for a Young Killer
DCI Joanna Yorke, the lead investigator on the case, expressed both relief at the verdict and concern over the killer’s age and mindset:
“Alexander is a dangerous individual, who at just 16 years old had no qualms about carrying and using a deadly weapon. We are pleased he has been brought to justice and that he will now spend a significant period behind bars.”
In addition to the life sentence for Gordon’s murder, Alexander received substantial sentences for a string of other offenses:
- 28 years on two counts of attempted murder for shooting at two men as he entered Gordon’s estate
- 16 years for a separate attempted murder charge
- 2 years for possession of a blade
- 3 years for possession of a firearm
- 60 months for two counts of possession with intent to supply cocaine
As the family and community grapple with the senseless loss of Lianne Gordon, DCI Yorke offered condolences and support:
“Our thoughts of course remain with the loved ones of Lianne Gordon, a mother of two who was shot dead for reasons we may never fully understand. We know this has been an extremely difficult time and we will continue to offer them our full support.”
The tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence and the critical importance of keeping deadly weapons out of the hands of young offenders. As London mourns the loss of an innocent mother, many are left questioning how society can better protect its citizens from such senseless acts of violence.
