Man found guilty of murder in Wembley

A man has been convicted of fatally shooting 18-year-old Tyrece Balcha outside a Wembley nightclub – after police linked him to the murder scene using CCTV, DNA and ballistics evidence.

The conviction highlights the Met’s zero-tolerance approach to gun violence and serious crime.

On Friday, 7 August, a jury at the Old Bailey found Ashley Wallace, 40 (08.08.1985), of Shenley Road, Southwark, guilty of murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke – who led the investigation – said: “Throughout this investigation and subsequent trial, the victim's family have conducted themselves with remarkable dignity and patience. We are grateful for their continued support and cooperation, and we hope today's verdict provides them with some measure of justice."

“During this investigation, my team used CCTV and forensic evidence, which allowed them to build a remarkably detailed picture of the murder, leading to today’s conviction.”

Tyrece’s mother, Bonnie, said after the verdict:

“Today's verdict brings a measure of justice for Tyrece, and we are grateful Ashley Wallace has been found guilty of his cold and senseless murder.

“While this verdict is important, it does not bring our son back or ease the pain we have lived with every day since we lost him. Tyrece's life was cruelly taken from him 8 weeks after he had turned 18 years old. He was a loving son, brother and friend with the biggest heart, an infectious smile and a personality that drew people towards him.

“Anyone who knew Tyrece knew his kindness, warmth and sense of humour.

“Our hearts have been shattered. His sisters miss him every day, and his little brother had only just turned one year old when Tyrece died and will never truly get the chance to know him.

“We will make sure that his memory lives on and that he is always remembered for the wonderful person he was, not for the way his life was taken. We pray that Tyrece can now rest in peace, knowing that justice has been served.

“We would like to thank the police and prosecution team for their unwavering dedication, compassion and determination throughout this case. Their commitment to securing justice for Tyrece means more to us than words can express.

“We would also like to thank our family, friends, and the many people who never even knew Tyrece but offered kind messages, prayers and support.

“Your compassion has reminded us that there is still so much goodness in the world, even in the midst of unimaginable heartbreak.

“We now await sentencing and kindly ask for privacy as we continue to heal from the trauma of both losing Tyrece and reliving the circumstances of his death throughout the trial.”

Around 05:30hrs on Sunday, 21 September, 2025, police and paramedics were called to a nightclub in South Way, Wembley, following reports of a shooting in the street. Tyrece Balcha, aged 18, was found outside the premises, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital, where he sadly died on Thursday, 25 September.

Officers identified witnesses from speaking to attendees at the club, and built a timeline of events.

Through CCTV enquiries, officers established that, prior to the shooting, Tyrece had been involved in an altercation inside the club.

The victim was then pursued outside, where he was shot. Afterwards, Wallace left the scene in a vehicle, which was parked nearby.

On Thursday, 25 September, police traced Wallace to a car in South East London, and he was arrested.

A revolver was found hidden inside the vehicle, and forensic officers subsequently found Wallace’s DNA on the weapon. The bullet found at the murder scene was later matched to the gun.

Wallace will be sentenced on a date to be set.

At the same trial, two men were found not guilty of murder. A woman was found not guilty of possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and perverting the course of justice. The jury could not reach a verdict on a fourth man.