Family of Murdered Jordan Thomas say he was 'Hunted' and 'Executed'
The family of Jordan Thomas, who was shot in a 'revenge killing' in Sheffield just before last Christmas, say they'll never come to terms with what's happened.
The grandma of 22 year old Jordan Thomas broke down in tears as she talked about her grandson and how she says he was 'hunted down' for three days before being 'executed.
He was shot and killed on Derek Dooley Way in Sheffield last December.
After a two month trial it took a jury just over 7 hours to return their verdicts.
Jama Ahmed, 26, from Broomhall was found guilty of murder and the attempted murder of Jordan's friend.
He was given life in prison at Sheffield Crown Court and will serve at least 36 years.
Police say Jordan was killed in a revenge killing after his cousin James Knowles, was jailed for ten years for the manslaughter of Mubarak Ali after he was stabbed to death in Sheffield in September 2011.
Victim impact statements were read out from Jordan's family in court.
His girlfriend Rakaia Wiggan said he was her best friend with a "beautiful soul".
One of his older brothers described the moment he found out what had happened saying he felt like his "heart would sink".
In a joint family statement, they said:
“Life as we knew it changed when Jordan was killed – he was and still is the centre of our world.
"There is no longer joy in our lives and we will never again share the happiness of being in his presence.
“Our beautiful boy has gone to heaven without mercy or hesitation; his precious life taken in a planned and determined attack to murder him. Our complete and utter loss has destroyed us as a family, and we will never come to terms with his death, and our hearts will never heal from the sadness we feel.
“The defence cast doubt over Jordan’s character, and we wish to make it clear that he was never arrested or convicted of any drug or firearm offences.“The trial has been an extremely traumatic experience and, for eight long weeks, we have had to sit through every detail of how and why Jordan was killed. The defence has continually tried to dishonour Jordan’s memory and have shown a total lack of sympathy or sensitivity towards the family and the loss we have suffered.
“Although our hearts are truly broken, the deep love we have for Jordan gives us the strength to move forward.”