Suspects accused of assisting an offender in relation to a beautician who was shot dead outside a pub on Christmas Eve are facing trial. Elle Edwards was killed outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, Wirral, on December 24, 2022. Conor Chapman was found guilty of her murder in July last year and later jailed for life with a minimum term of 48 years.
Two men and two women have since been charged with assisting an offender in connection with the fatal shooting. David Chambers, Danielle Dowdall, Paul Owen, and Roxanne Rooney appeared before Liverpool Crown Court at the beginning of their trial, having denied the respective counts against them. A total of 50 potential jurors were asked to complete questionnaires to determine their suitability to serve on the case, expected to last around four weeks.
The selection process will take place with 18 jurors, from which a jury of 14 will be chosen, with two as reserves to hear the prosecution’s opening. According to charge sheets, Chambers, Dowdall, Owen, and Rooney are accused of various roles in assisting Chapman in the aftermath of the murder. Chambers is accused of arranging a vehicle for Chapman’s use, Dowdall of disposing of the gunman’s clothing, Owen of assisting in disposing of the car used in the shooting, and Rooney of hiring a car and booking accommodation for Chapman.
The court proceedings are being prosecuted by Katy Appleton and Isabella Denn-White, with representation for the defendants provided by Daniel Travers for Chambers, Desmond Lennon for Dowdall, Christopher Stables for Owen, and Martine Snowdon for Rooney. The trial is being presided over by Mr Justice Morris.
The case has garnered significant public interest, with the community following the developments closely. The trial is expected to shed light on the events surrounding the tragic death of Elle Edwards and provide closure for her family and loved ones. Stay tuned for more updates as the trial unfolds.