Essex Police have now confirmed the two men appeared at the Central Criminal Court on December 23 and both Yonas Girma and Ellis Heather have denied the offence
Two people have now been charged with murdering Lauren Goodger’s ex-boyfriend’s brother after he was stabbed to death in a car park.
Stephen Morrisson – the brother of Lauren’s ex-partner lover Joey Morrisson – was attacked in Epping, Essex, in 2020. The 30-year-old was attacked then driven to a nearby petrol station where he collapsed on the forecourt.
Essex Police have now confirmed the two men appeared at the Central Criminal Court on December 23 and denied the offence.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of Stephen Morrisson in Epping in 2020. Stephen sustained a single stab wound after a confrontation in a car park in Epping Road shortly before 8pm on Tuesday 23 June 2020.
“The 30-year-old sadly died in hospital a short time later, having driven away from the scene towards a nearby Shell garage. He was able to get out of his car but then collapsed on the forecourt, where members of the public tried to help him and alerted the emergency services.
“Over the course of a complex and far-reaching investigation, more than 200 hours of CCTV footage was examined, and the investigative team has seized and reviewed more than 1,000 exhibits, 50 phones, almost 40 computer items and five vehicles.
“As part of that investigation, in July we charged 28-year-old Yonas Girma, of Hounslow Road, Hanworth, with murder. We have now also charged Ellis Heather, 25, previously of Farm Close, Taplow, Maidenhead, with murder.
“Both appeared at the Central Criminal Court yesterday, December 23 and denied the offence. A provisional trial date has been set for four weeks, from 18 May.”
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, leads the investigation into Stephen’s murder.
He said: “This investigation has progressed over the last five years, through a number of challenges and we have always remained focused on securing justice for Stephen’s family and friends.
“Whilst our meticulous trial preparation work is now underway, we always have the loss Stephen’s family feel at the forefront of our minds.”
