The family of a Black Lives Matter activist who was shot in the head at a party have made a fresh appeal for justice after the court case against four men accused of the shooting collapsed.
Sasha Johnson, 28, remains in intensive care after suffering life-changing injuries when she was hit by a bullet whilst at a party in Peckhamsouth London, in May last year.
Speaking through tears, Ms Johnson’s heartbroken sister, Shakira Williams said: “We were left emotionally scarred and damaged on 23 May 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.”
“We are asking for justice for you. You always helped so many people, no matter their age, background or race.”
Ms Williams has expressed frustration around the lack of information since the shooting.
“You were there for people and would do anything to help. Now is the time for people to speak up for you.”
A founding member of the Taking The Initiative Party, Ms Johnson had been a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement,
Ms Johnson lost an eye and currently has no movement down one side of her body as a result of the shooting, which has seen her undergo multiple operations.
In an emotional interview, Sasha’s mother Ellet Dalling said that she has been able to speak to her daughter in hospital.
Shakira Williams expressed frustration about the lack of information since the shooting
“I told her she was going to be OK. She nodded her head at me, she squeezed my hand.”
Ms Dalling added: “Don’t let it happen to someone else again. Don’t go silent. These people that did this to Sasha need to come off the street.
“We need justice for Sasha. So please, I’m asking everyone at the party to come out and speak out for Sasha. We need justice.”
Four men were charged with conspiracy to murder following an investigation into the shooting.
But last week, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it was unable to offer any evidence against them,
Sasha was a founding member of the Taking The Initiative Party
At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, prosecutor Mark Heywood QC said a prosecution could not go ahead for reasons that could not be set out fully in open court.
Leading the investigation Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney said: “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.”
Anyone with information can call the incident room on 0208 721 4622.
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.
