Teenage Victim of Tottenham Drive-By Shooting May Have Been Unintended Target, Court Told
A teenage girl tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Tottenham may not have been the intended target of the attack, the Old Bailey has been informed during a murder trial. The fatal incident is alleged to have been a revenge act following the public humiliation of a gang member who was violently assaulted in front of his girlfriend.
Fatal Shooting on Chalgrove Road
Tanesha Melbourne-Blake, aged just 17, lost her life on Chalgrove Road in Tottenham on April 2, 2018, marking the conclusion of the Easter bank holiday weekend. The court heard that she had been spending time with friends, engaging in a game called 'penny up' against a garden wall, before the attack occurred.
As she walked with her boyfriend, Lumear Small, a vehicle with tinted rear windows pulled up beside them. Jurors were told that Small witnessed a hand holding an object emerge from the car, followed by three bright sparks and a sound resembling fireworks—described as 'pap, pap, pap'. Tanesha immediately shouted to her friend, 'Jace, duck!' before turning to announce, 'Jace, I've been shot,' and collapsing.
Despite efforts from neighbours and passers-by who rushed to assist, and an ambulance being called using Tanesha's phone, she rapidly became pale and stopped breathing. The prosecution emphasised that Tanesha had no involvement in any criminal activity, highlighting the senseless nature of her death.
Gang Rivalry and Revenge Motive
Marcus La-Croix, 38, from Hackney, stands accused of firing the fatal shots using a self-loading pistol during what is described as a 'ride out'. This attack is linked to an ongoing rivalry between two gangs: the Northumberland Park Killers and the Wood Green Mob. La-Croix has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, specifically a Czechoslovakian-made automatic Browning pistol.
Prosecutor Jocelyn Ledward KC outlined that the 'ride out' was intended to cause death or serious injury through firearm use, though Tanesha may not have been the planned target. The shooting is alleged to be retaliation for an assault on La-Croix less than 48 hours earlier.
Public Humiliation Incident Preceding the Shooting
In the early hours of Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, La-Croix was attacked at Tinseltown Restaurant in Farringdon by four men associated with the Northumberland Park Killers. The court heard he was dragged down stairs and repeatedly kicked and punched, with his girlfriend, Samantha Aborro, attempting to shield him during the violence.
Footage of this assault was live-streamed on La-Croix's Instagram account after one attacker seized his iPhone, amplifying his public humiliation. A voice in the recording stated the attack was the 'consequence of screaming green'. Following the incident, La-Croix sought a knife from behind the restaurant counter but was denied, and he sustained injuries. The four assailants were later identified and convicted of affray.
Alleged Support Network and Trial Proceedings
The prosecution contends that Michael Clarke, 36, a close associate of La-Croix—also known as Bobby Slater—rushed to support him after the assault, visiting his home. Ledward described their relationship as extending 'well beyond the bounds of normal friendship', suggesting Clarke's swift actions in the aftermath spoke volumes about their bond.
During the trial, emotional scenes unfolded as two members of Tanesha's family were present in court. The proceedings are expected to last five weeks, with La-Croix maintaining his denial of all charges. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the devastating impact of gang violence on innocent bystanders in urban communities.
