Key Takeaways:
- Ellis Heather, 25, and Yonas Girma, 28, have been charged with the murder of Stephen Morrisson, 30, who died after a stabbing incident in a car park in Epping.
- The incident occurred on June 23, 2020, and the investigation has been ongoing for over five years, with over 200 hours of CCTV footage examined and numerous exhibits seized.
- The trial is scheduled to take place in May 2026, and the police are committed to securing justice for the victim’s family and friends.
- The investigation has been led by Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who has emphasized the importance of remaining focused on achieving justice for the victim’s loved ones.
Introduction to the Case
The article reports on a murder case in which two individuals, Ellis Heather and Yonas Girma, have been charged with the crime. The victim, Stephen Morrisson, was 30 years old when he died after being stabbed in a car park in Epping. The incident occurred on June 23, 2020, and the investigation has been ongoing for over five years. The police have been working tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case against the suspects, and the trial is scheduled to take place in May 2026.
The Incident and Investigation
According to the police, Stephen Morrisson suffered a single stab wound after a confrontation in the car park. He managed to drive away from the scene and pull into a nearby Shell garage, where he collapsed on the forecourt. Members of the public attempted to help him, and emergency services were alerted. The police have examined over 200 hours of CCTV footage and seized numerous exhibits, including phones, computers, and vehicles, as part of their investigation. The investigative team has been led by Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who has emphasized the complexity and challenges of the case.
The Suspects and Trial
Both Ellis Heather and Yonas Girma have denied the offense and appeared at the Central Criminal Court on December 23. A provisional trial date has been set for four weeks, starting from May 18, 2026. The police are committed to securing justice for the victim’s family and friends, and the trial is expected to be a significant step towards achieving this goal. The suspects’ denial of the offense suggests that the trial may be contentious, and the prosecution will need to present strong evidence to secure a conviction.
Police Statement and Commitment to Justice
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood has stated that the investigation has progressed over the last five years, despite challenges, and that the team has always remained focused on securing justice for Stephen’s family and friends. He emphasized that the loss felt by the victim’s loved ones is always at the forefront of their minds, and that the team is committed to achieving justice for them. The police have worked tirelessly to build a strong case, and the trial will be a crucial step towards achieving justice for the victim and his loved ones.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the murder case of Stephen Morrisson is a complex and challenging one, with two suspects charged and a trial scheduled for May 2026. The police have worked tirelessly to gather evidence and build a case, and the trial will be a significant step towards achieving justice for the victim’s family and friends. The investigation has been ongoing for over five years, and the police are committed to securing justice for the victim and his loved ones. As the trial approaches, the community will be watching closely to see justice served and closure brought to the victim’s family and friends.