Family of shot activist Sasha Johnson plead for help in finding her Peckham attackers after case against four is dropped

The family of a black rights activist shot in the head in May 2021 have pleaded for help in finding the gunmen.

Sasha Johnson, 28, was at a party in Consort Road, Peckham, in the early hours of Sunday, 23 May when shots were fired.

Four males in balaclavas had approached the house and discharged a weapon at guests, with one round striking Ms Johnson in the head at ‘very close range’.

A bullet struck her in the head and more than nine months on, she remains in hospital with catastrophic and permanent injuries.

Four men were charged with conspiracy to murder following an investigation into the shooting. But on Tuesday, 22 February, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it was unable to offer any evidence against them.

The four men were released, but the investigation continues.

Today, Monday, Sasha’s family issued a renewed appeal for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.

They have also released a photo of Sasha in her hospital bed. It shows the extent of her injuries and of the devastating impact this shooting has had on a young woman who had the whole of her life ahead of her.

Sasha’s sister, Shakira Williams, said: “We were left emotionally scarred and damaged on the May 23 last year.

“We all got shot in the head and the pain has been so much at times it’s like we couldn’t breathe.

“How ironic. Because when you saw that George Floyd couldn’t breathe thousands of miles away you took it to the streets of the UK to fight for justice.

“Your boys are being so brave and strong. Mum is heartbroken. But she is being so strong.

“The journey has been devastating. Never forget, we are blessed. Sasha you are alive. The doctors said you are a miracle.

“You could be anyone’s daughter, mum, sister, cousin, aunt or friend, just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

“We are asking for justice for you. You always helped so many people, no matter their age, background or race.

“You were there for people and would do anything to help. Now is the time for people to speak up for you.”

Her injuries were so serious, homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command took on the hunt for those responsible at an early stage.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, who now leads the investigation, said: “I want to pay tribute to Sasha’s family who have shown incredible bravery and resilience throughout this ordeal. Their lives have been changed forever by the events of that night in May 2021.

“We have been working tirelessly to deliver justice for them and for Sasha and those efforts continue.

“Of course it was disappointing that the case against those previously charged could not be taken forward, but it has only increased our determination to continue and to find a breakthrough.

“Our biggest challenge is the wall of silence we have faced when appealing for witnesses to come forward.

“Sasha was at a party when she was shot. There were plenty of people there. Yet many have not been willing to speak to us.

“I know it is daunting but our officers are here to do all we can to support anyone who is willing to come forward.

“I would also appeal to the wider community. If you saw anything odd on the night, heard a careless comment in the days after, if you’ve spotted someone acting unusually or if you have any other information – no matter how insignificant – we really need you to contact us.

“Sasha was someone who always spoke up for others. Now it’s time for people to speak up for her.”

Four people were last week released after prosecutor Mark Heywood QC said the Crown would not be pursuing the case against them, for reasons that could not be set out fully in open court.

The decision followed a rare notification hearing, held behind closed doors, which can be used in cases that involve evidence from informants or listening devices.

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 0208 721 4622. Officers are ready to take their calls.

Anyone who does not want to contact the police directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting the Crimestoppers website. They won’t ask for a name and they can’t trace calls or IP addresses.