Connor Chapman, 22, in court accused of killing Elle Edwards, 26, with ‘Skorpion submachine gun’ on Christmas Eve
A MAN has appeared in court charged with murdering Elle Edwards in a Christmas Eve pub shooting.
Connor Chapman, 22, is accused of blasting the beautician, 26, in the head with a Skorpion submachine gun.
It is understood Elle was not the intended target but was caught by a stray bullet fired at the packed Lighthouse Inn, in Wallasey, Merseyside.
Chapman appeared at Liverpool Crown Court today via videolink.
Wearing a black Nike jacket, long-haired Chapman, of no fixed abode, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
Judge Andrew Menary KC confirmed that the shooting is alleged to be related to "gang-related activity”.
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Chapman is charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of unlawful and malicious wounding with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
He is also accused of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, relating to a converted Skorpion submachine gun.
The Czech-made weapon is capable of firing over 850 rounds a minute.
Chapman is also accused of possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and handling stolen goods, a Mercedes A Class car, between December 22 and 26 last year.
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He was remanded in custody ahead of a plea hearing on April 17 at the same court.
A provisional trial date was set for June 7. No members of Elle’s family were in the public gallery during the hearing.
It comes after her sister Lucy shared a tribute on Instagram from her heartbroken nan Marlene, who said: “My gorgeous granddaughter, I will love and miss you for the rest of my time, until we meet again.
“I miss you bringing me my cakes and sitting on the kitchen table having a cup of tea with me and all the laughs we would have.
"I love you more than anything in this world and I keep staring at your picture on the fireplace.
“You will always be with us my beautiful granddaughter and you will never be forgotten. Love from nan Marlene."
Four other people have been arrested in connection with Elle's murder.
A 23-year-old woman held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
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A 31-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman, both of the Wirral, were held on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and bailed pending further inquiries.
A 30-year-old, from the same area, who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder was recalled to prison on licence.
