A gunman who attempted to flee the country has been sentenced to two decades in prison for fatally shooting a man in a Midlands city centre. Neo Graham, 24, was killed on Eastfield Road, Wolverhampton, just after 3.20pm on March 4 last year.
Conviction and Sentencing
Koketso Ximba, 23, was previously convicted of manslaughter following a trial. On Friday, June 19, he was sentenced to 20 years behind bars. Detectives investigating the shooting discovered six shots were fired from a red Renault Clio in the deadly incident.
Mr Graham died at the scene. A second man, who was with Mr Graham, was injured. He was shot in the arm and foot but managed to run and hide nearby. A third man in the group escaped unharmed.
Arrests and Evidence
The Clio was dumped and set alight. Within 24 hours of the shooting, armed officers arrested Ximba's associates: Derrick Da Silva, Fabio Bandarrinha, Elie Mey, and Aaron Osei. A gun recovered was proven to have been used in the killing. Crack cocaine with an estimated value of up to £19,000, and £6,980 in cash were also found.
Two days later, Ximba was detained in Liverpool as he tried to flee the country by ferry.
Associates Sentenced
Bandarrinha, 21, was found guilty of possession of a firearm, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for ten years. Osei, 23, was found guilty of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, assisting an offender, and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for seven years. Da Silva, 20, was found guilty of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to four years.
Police Statement
Senior investigating officer Jenny Birch, from West Midlands Police's homicide team, said: "The death of this young man saw a gun being used with absolute recklessness and our thoughts remain with those who loved him and with those affected by what happened. We have worked tirelessly to ensure those responsible were arrested within a matter of days and held in custody ever since. They worked together to carry out this killing and showed absolutely no regard for the dangers of firing shots in a residential area. But justice has now been served and that firearm is off our streets."
