The first image of the man who has been charged with the murder of Elle Edwards on Christmas Eve has been revealed as he appeared in court this morning. Connor Chapman, 22, is accused of fatally shooting the 26-year-old beautician outside The Lighthouse pub in Wallasey on December 24.
He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Chapman was arrested on January 11 and has been remanded in custody since his appearance at Wirral Magistrates Court today, the Mirror reports.
The defendant, who was dressed in a grey prison issued tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and address, where he stated he was of no fixed address. He also gave his date of birth as March 21, 2000.
When asked if he understood the charges against him, Chapman silently nodded before he was led away with his hands cuffed behind his back. He arrived in court in a convoy inside a prison van accompanied by unmarked police cars.
He has also been charged with 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. Elle Edwards was allegedly shot in the head 10 minutes before midnight on Christmas Eve after a gunman sprayed bullets into a crowded area.
Four other men, aged between 22 and 33, were also injured in the incident. A 23-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Despite the arrest, the investigation into her death continues. After the CPS charged Chapman, Detective Superintendent Sue Coombs said: "This brings the number of arrests in connection with the tragic death of Elle to five.
"Although extensive work is going on from our dedicated teams across Merseyside Police and a great deal of intelligence has come in, I would still ask that anyone who has information and has yet to come forward, does so. If they don’t want to speak to police directly then please get in touch with Crimestoppers where information can be given in confidence."
Police have asked the public to use their Public Portal at mipp.police.uk if they have any information, CCTV or dashcam and mobile phone footage, which they can upload directly to the investigation team.
Floods of tributes have been paid in memory of Elle who was described as 'beautiful inside and out' by her sister Lucy in a moving Instagram post on New Year's Day.
She wrote: "I miss you so much sis. Elle May…you are and will always be my best friend, side kick, partner in crime, soul mate and big sister. You are beautiful inside and out, you are the kindest person ever and you wanted nothing but the best for me.
"I miss everything about you, especially our daily catch ups, our long drives, we’d blast the music and sing so loud that people in traffic would be laughing at us, but we were always in our own bubble and we didn’t care, and I will miss travelling and seeing new places with you.
"I should not be waking up this morning on New Year’s Day without you, we should be dancing and singing this morning whilst we got ready to go out."
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