Man charged with murder of Elle Edwards in Wallasey
The 26-year-old was shot on Christmas Eve
Last updated 13th Jan 2023
A man's due to appear in court this morning (Friday 13 January), charged with the murder of Elle Edwards in Wallasey.
The 26-year-old beautician was shot when a gunman opened fire at the Lighthouse Inn on Christmas Eve, Elle was there with her sister and friends at the time.
Since they launched the investigation, Merseyside Police have said they don't believe she was the intended target.
Up to this point a total of five people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, but overnight detectives have confirmed they've now charged a man with Elle's murder.
Connor Chapman, 22, of Houghton Road, Woodchurch has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and handling stolen goods, namely a Mercedes A Class.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at Wirral Adult Remand Court today (Friday 13 January).
A 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Merseyside Police say their investigation continues, and that there is a special Public Portal (mipp.police.uk) where information, CCTV and dashcam and mobile phone footage can be uploaded directly to the investigation team.
Information can also be passed via 101, DM @MerPolCC or by contacting @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111, with reference 22000948723.
Senior District Crown Prosecutor Clare Tripcony, Head of CPS Mersey Cheshire’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Merseyside Police to charge Connor William Chapman, 22, with nine offences relating to a shooting at the Lighthouse Public House on 24 December 2022.
“He is charged with the murder of Elle Edwards, 26, and the attempted murder of two other individuals. He is also charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on three further individuals.
“Other charges include being in Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life, Possession of Ammunition with Intent to Endanger Life and Handling Stolen Goods, in relation to a vehicle.
“Mr Chapman, of the Wirral, is due to appear before Wirral Adult Remand Court on 13 January 2023.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Connor William Chapman are active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.