A woman who was found lying on her back in a flat in Talbot Green died after being shot in the chest, an inquest has heard. Joanne Penney, 40, was discovered at the Llys Illtyd flats at Green Park on 9 March.
At an inquest opening at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, senior coroner for South Wales Central, Graeme Hughes, was told that police had arrived at the scene at around 6.10pm, where they found Ms Penney unresponsive in the lounge of the apartment. Paramedics also attended, but she could not be saved.
A post-mortem examination was conducted the following day by Richard Jones at the Princess of Wales Hospital. His provisional conclusion was that Ms Penney had died from a gunshot wound to the left side of her chest, which had affected her heart and left lung.
Originally from Aberdare, Ms Penney did not have a permanent address. She was formally identified by her family on 12 March.
Neighbours in the Green Park area described her as a well-known and popular figure in the community.
Due to ongoing criminal proceedings, Mr Hughes suspended the inquest. He stated: “Based on the evidence heard, I have reason to suspect that Ms Penney died due to violence, and so I am duty-bound to continue this investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and conclude that by way of inquest. However, I am cognisant that individuals have been charged, and so under statute, I am suspending this investigation pending the outcome of those criminal proceedings.”
Six people have been charged in connection with Ms Penney’s death. Five individuals – Melissa Quailey-Dashper, 39, from Leicester; Joshua Gordon, 27, from Oadby; Tony Porter, 68, from Braunstone Town; Jordan Mills-Smith, 32, from Pentwyn; and Marcus Huntley, 20, from St Mellons – have been charged with murder. Kristina Ginova, 21, from Oadby, has been charged with assisting an offender.
All six defendants remain in custody. Their trial, which is expected to last between six and eight weeks, is set to take place at the end of October. A provisional date for a plea and trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for 7 July.
In a heartfelt tribute, Ms Penney’s family expressed their profound grief, saying: “We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Joanne. She was a daughter, mother, sister, and niece – loved deeply by all who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and love for her family will never be forgotten.
“During this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We appreciate the support and condolences from the community and kindly request that our family be given the space to mourn in peace. We would be grateful if anyone with information could share this with the police investigation team. Thank you for respecting our wishes.”
Woman found dead in flat after being shot in the chest
