Wolverhampton Drive-By Shooting Trial: Neo Graham Killed Near School
A man was gunned down in a shocking drive-by shooting as parents waited to collect their children from a nearby school, a murder trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court has heard. Neo Graham, 24, was killed when a gunman fired six shots from a stolen red Clio car on Eastfield Street, near East Park, Wolverhampton.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The prosecution, led by Matthew Brook KC, stated that at 3:19 pm on March 4, 2025, Neo Graham was standing on the pavement on Eastfield Road with two other men. A stolen red Clio, driven by defendant Koketso Ximba with Israel Mey in the front passenger seat, drove past and fired shots from a Glock handgun. One bullet struck Mr Graham in the head, causing fatal injuries as the perpetrators fled rapidly from the scene.
CCTV footage played in court showed the two men with Mr Graham running away while he lay wounded on the ground. The footage also captured Ximba driving the Clio to the end of the road, turning around, and speeding off with Israel Mey.
Impact on the Community
The shooting occurred just before the end of the school day at a primary school on Eastfield Grove, which connects to Eastfield Road. Parents on the school run witnessed the fast-moving and unexpected attack, with some expected to give evidence during the trial. Mr Brook described the event as deeply alarming for the local community, highlighting the presence of children and families at the time.
Defendants and Charges
Five men are standing trial in connection with Mr Graham's death, all denying the charges against them:
- Koketso Ximba, 23, denies murder on March 4, 2025.
- Derrick Da Silva Ferreira, 20, denies murder and multiple firearm and drug-related charges.
- Fabio Bandarrinha, 21, denies murder and similar firearm and drug offenses.
- Elie Mey, 25, denies assisting an offender and firearm and drug charges, though he has admitted to one count of assisting an offender.
- Aaron Osei, 23, denies two counts of assisting an offender and firearm and drug charges.
Israel Mey, Elie Mey's brother, is not on trial as he fled the country before police could arrest him. The prosecution alleges that Ximba, Da Silva Ferreira, Bandarrinha, and Israel Mey were part of a joint enterprise to carry out the drive-by shooting, intending to cause serious injury. While motive is not required to be proven, the prosecution suggested drug dealing may have played a role, with the targets viewed as rival dealers.
Evidence and Investigation
Jurors were shown CCTV stills tracking the movements of vehicles linked to the defendants, including a red Corsa, the red Clio, and a Nissan Juke, before and after the shooting. The prosecution highlighted a trip by Bandarrinha to drive Israel Mey to his home on Inkerman Street minutes before the attack, possibly to collect a gun. Elie Mey and Osei were in Birmingham at the time of the shooting, according to Mr Brook.
The trial continues as the court examines the evidence in this high-profile case, which has raised concerns about public safety and violence in residential areas.
