Braintree Shooting: Three Charged With Attempted Murder After Market Place Attack
BRAINTREE, Essex — Three people have been charged with attempted murder following a shooting in Braintree Market Place that left three people injured, including two teenage boys who suffered serious injuries.
The firearms incident happened at approximately 10:10 p.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, when Essex Police were called to Braintree town centre following reports that a firearm had been discharged.
Two teenage boys were seriously injured in the shooting and required hospital treatment. A third person, described by police as a man, was also injured and taken to hospital. His injuries were not initially considered serious, and police said none of the injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
Essex Police launched a major investigation after the shooting, establishing cordons around parts of Braintree town centre while specialist officers and forensic teams examined the scene. Detectives also recovered a shotgun and ammunition as part of their inquiries.
Investigators said their working theory was that the incident was a targeted attack rather than a random assault. Police have also said they believe the shooting was connected to a dispute involving the sale of drugs. However, officers emphasized that the three people injured were not believed to have been involved in that offending.
Three suspects have now been charged with attempted murder. They are Destiny Ema, 23, of Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford; Kayden Brown, 18, of Noaks Avenue, Chelmsford; and a 17-year-old boy from Braintree, who cannot legally be named because of his age.
All three were due to appear before Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 7, 2026.
Ema is also facing several additional allegations arising from separate investigations. These include attempted grievous bodily harm with intent, firearm-related offences, harassment, malicious communications, and possession of a shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence.
A 16-year-old boy who was previously arrested in connection with the investigation has been released on police bail until November 30.
Police have said they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the Braintree shooting and do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.
The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system, where the allegations against the three defendants will be considered by the courts. All three defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to assess evidence and information gathered following the Market Place shooting.
