Laughing killers jailed for life for murdering ‘superhero’ dad Anthony Sargeant in drive-by shooting

Four men have been jailed for life for murdering 33-year-old father-of-eight Anthony Sargeant in a drive-by shooting outside his mother’s home.

Brothers Michael and Connor Goodwin, 27 and 28 along with Keenan Anderson, 26, and Leon Riley, 22 were all sentenced today (Friday, 24 March 2023) at Birmingham Crown Court for the murder of Anthony Sargeant, aged 33.

On Saturday 25 August 2018, Anthony Sargeant was shot and fatally injured on the street outside his mother’s address in Rickman Drive, Lee Bank in Birmingham. The emergency services were called to Rickman Drive and Mr Sargeant was treated at the scene and transferred to hospital, but he sadly died six days later.

All four defendants denied any involvement in his murder but were convicted following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court in July 2022. The killers were photographed smiling and posing for pictures at a friend’s birthday party – hours after shooting Anthony - described as a "superhero" dad-of-eight - at 9.40pm on  August 25, 2018.

Anthony was hit in the back and was rushed to hospital but couldn’t be saved and sadly died six days later. The shocking pictures were released by West Midlands Police.One image shows all four grinning as they drink in a pub to celebrate Connor Goodwin’s 23rd birthday on August 26. Another shows the Goodwin brothers and Riley smiling as they pose with a group of friends.

Anthony was dubbed the "King of Lee Bank", an inner city area of the city where he lived with his extensive family. The talented footballer founded Rickman Rovers just over a year before his death and was player-manager for the team.

Birmingham Crown Court previously heard Anthony had been talking to a friend in the street when a stolen BMW and Mercedes pulled up and two shots were fired. The killers sped off leaving Anthony lying in the street.

Officers scoured CCTV and analysed mobile phone traffic linked the killers to the stolen cars used in the killing. The gun was recovered during a police raid in Derbyshire in November, 2019, and ballistics experts proved it was the murder weapon. The motive for the murder is still unknown.

What the CPS said about the case

Ian Pinkney of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “No sentence can ever reflect the degree of suffering and loss that Mr Sargeant’s family have endured but I hope it brings them some comfort that those responsible for his murder have been brought to justice.

“While we may never know who fired the shot that killed Mr Sargeant, we do know that all four men planned the attack and are all jointly responsible for his murder. Those who commit such acts of violence can expect to face the court to be held accountable for their crimes to the fullest extent of the law. Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Sargeant as they continue to deal with the terrible loss they have suffered.

What West Midlands Police said about the case

Detective Inspector Hannah Whitehouse, said: “We may never know why Mr Sargeant was murdered, but we have been able to prove that these men acted together, travelling in a convoy of two stolen cars across Birmingham to go to Rickman Drive, where Anthony Sargeant was shot.

“They have shown no remorse, denying the offence throughout. This investigation has been highly complex and challenging and it shows that West Midlands Police will relentlessly pursue those responsible for using firearms on our streets.”

Anthony Sargeant’s family pay tribute to him

Anthony’s devastated family paid tribute to the “super hero” dad. They said: “Almost four years ago, my son, our father, brother and uncle was murdered as he innocently walked down the road outside his mother’s home.

“Today after sitting through months of trial, we finally have justice for him although it will never be enough. However, we still have to live through a lifetime of pain and heartache of him being taken away from his family.

“Eight fatherless children now finding their way through life without their provider, teacher and superhero. Anthony was such a bubbly, energetic, witty soul and we will do everything to ensure he is not forgotten.”