Man found guilty of killing Elle Edwards outside pub on Christmas Eve

A jury has found 23-year-old Connor Chapman guilty of killing beautician Elle Edwards.

Edwards, 26, was shot dead while standing outside the Lighthouse in Wallasey Village, Wirral on 24 December, 2022.

Chapman opened fire on the front of the pub using a military style Skorpion sub-machine gun.

Tyreece Hon/Facebook

Edwards was described by prosecutor Nigel Power as a 'wholly innocent' victim who was not the intended target of the attack, accidentally finding herself in the middle of a fight between two criminal groups.

Today (6 July), the jury delivered their verdict, resolving Chapman - who pleaded not guilty - is guilty of the murder of the 26-year-old beautician.

Chapman was also convicted of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as possession of a Skorpion sub-machine gun with intent to endanger life and ammunition with intent to endanger life, as per PA.

Co-defendant Thomas Waring, 20, was found guilty of possession of a prohibited weapon and assisting an offender.

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Chapman and Waring's sentencing is set to take place tomorrow (7 July).

Mr Justice Goose has suggested a video of the shooting - shown during the trial - should be made public and noted he will be considering whether a whole life order is suitable for Chapman.

As Chapman left the dock, Edwards' father said: "You coward."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677