Gang rapper killed content creator at shoot with ‘big snakes and Komodo dragon’
WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Ellis Heather, 25, was convicted of the murder of Stephen Morrison, 30, who was stabbed to death in a car park in Epping, Essex, during a music video shoot in June 2020
Stephen Morrison, 30, was tragically killed(Image: Essex Police)
A vicious killer has been sentenced to life behind bars after stabbing a man to death during the filming of his music video shoot featuring big snakes and a Komodo dragon.
Stephen Morrison, 30, died in June 2020 after being stabbed in a savage attack in a car park near the Wake Arms roundabout in Epping, Essex. He managed to flee the scene and seek assistance, but he later succumbed to his wounds in hospital.
Ellis Heather, 25, formerly of Maidenhead, was found guilty of murder following a five-week trial in London. He was given a life sentence at the Old Bailey on Friday (July 17) and told he would serve a minimum of 28 years in jail before being eligible for parole.
Ellis Heather killed the content creator when he disrupted a music video shoot featuring big snakes and a Komodo dragon(Image: Essex Police/PA Wire)
It’s believed Heather stabbed Morrisson, known as Zero Ls, while filming with big snakes and a Komodo dragon for his drill song in Epping Forest. The 30-year-old stranger was attacked after irritating the filming crew when he tried to get involved.
During the sentencing hearing His Honour Judge Lickley KC said Heather was “armed with a knife” and had used it “to deadly effect”. It was stated that Stephen was stabbed “without any justification” in a “moment of extreme violence”.
The Judge also said Heather, who abandoned Stephen at the scene, had bragged about his actions in a music video and had taunted Stephen’s family, reportsΒ Essex Live.
Ellis Heather, 25, has been locked up for killing Stephen Morrison(Image: Essex Police)
Stephen’s mother, Lorraine, said in a statement: “Steve was a son, a brother, a dad and an uncle. Every day we try to keep his memory alive so that his young son, nieces and nephews never forget him, because memories are all we now have left.
“The babies born after his death have been robbed of the chance to know their amazing uncle, because of you (Heather). We have attended weddings, family events and celebrations that Steve should have been part of. We place a photograph where Steve would have sat so that he is still included.
“The older children feel the same pain and loss that we do as adults. Steve was a huge part of our lives. He was happy, funny and larger than life. His death has left an enormous hole in our family.”
Heather’s sentencing concludes a six-year probe to deliver justice for Stephen and his family. Police scrutinised over 200 hours of CCTV material and confiscated and examined more than 1,000 pieces of evidence, including 50 mobile phones, throughout the intricate case.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood said: “Today’s sentence marks the conclusion of a long and difficult journey towards justice for Stephen and his family. For more than six years, his loved ones have lived with the unimaginable pain of losing Stephen while patiently waiting for those responsible to be held accountable.
“They have shown tremendous strength throughout this investigation and court process, and I hope today’s outcome provides them with some measure of peace and reassurance that justice has been done.”
He further stated: “This investigation began on the evening of 23 June 2020 and has involved the dedication and determination of countless officers and staff over many years. The passage of time has never diminished our determination to find answers for Stephen’s family and bring the person responsible before the courts.”
