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topicnews · October 7, 2024

Woman allegedly ‘hosted’ Connor Chapman in her home after Elle Edwards’ murder

Woman allegedly ‘hosted’ Connor Chapman in her home after Elle Edwards’ murder

Roxanne Matthews is one of four defendants accused of aiding and abetting a perpetrator in connection with the fatal shooting

Roxanne Matthews, also known as Roxanne Rooney, pictured left alongside Danielle Dowdall, right, outside Liverpool Crown Court(Picture: Liverpool Echo)

A woman allegedly “hosted” Connor Chapman in her home after the murder of Elle Edwards, a court has heard. The 26-year-old beautician died after being shot outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, Wirral, on Christmas Eve 2022.

Connor Chapman was convicted of her murder in July last year and was later sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 48 years. Two men and two women are on trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of assisting an offender in connection with the fatal shooting.

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David Chambers, Danielle Dowdall, Roxanne Matthews and Paul Owen all deny the respective allegations against them. A jury of seven men and five women, as well as two alternates who will hear the opening of the indictment, was selected and sworn in this afternoon, Monday, to serve on the case.

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The jury was read out details of the seven charges the defendants faced during today’s hearing. The single charge in the case of 34-year-old Dowdall, of Woodchurch, alleges that between December 24, 2022 and January 14, 2023, she had in her possession “clothing worn by Connor Chapman during the murder of… whose disposal contributed to “Elle Edwards”.

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The three counts of aiding and abetting Matthews, of Noctorum, is facing allege that on January 9, 2023, she “rented a Volkswagen T-Cross vehicle on her behalf to be used by Connor Chapman” and “a booked a stay at the Sycamore Spa”. Penllwyn Lodges” in Mid Wales. The 34-year-old, also known as Roxanne Rooney, is said to have “hosted” Connor Chapman in her home between December 24, 2022 and January 14, 2023.

Chambers, of no fixed address, faces two charges, one of which alleges he “collected, possessed or caused to be concealed or disposed of clothing worn by Connor Chapman during the murder of Elle Edwards.” that Danielle Dowdall took possession of her”. December 24, 2022 and January 14, 2023. The other claims the 43-year-old “arranged the rental of a Volkswagen T-Cross in the name of Roxanne Matthews for the use of Connor Chapman” on January 9 last year.

David Chambers outside Liverpool Crown Court
David Chambers outside Liverpool Crown Court(Picture: Liverpool Echo)

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Owen, 50, from Woodchurch, is ultimately accused of “assisting in the disposal of a Mercedes A-Class used by Connor Chapman during the murder of Elle Edwards” on December 31, 2022. Judge Morris told the jury: “It is your responsibility to decide whether or not the defendants are guilty of the charges that have just been read to you.

“Cases involving the death of a person can evoke strong feelings. You would be failing in your duty if you allow emotions to influence your judgment.”

Paul Owen at Liverpool Crown Court
Paul Owen at Liverpool Crown Court(Picture: Liverpool Echo)

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“Only the 12 of you who have listened to the evidence together have the right to reach a conclusion together. It’s nobody’s business. Your discussions will take place behind closed doors in the strictest confidentiality. You decide the case based on the evidence.” You hear in court and only that evidence.

Katy Appleton and Isabella Denn-White are expected to open the prosecution’s case tomorrow morning, Tuesday. The trial, which is expected to last about four weeks, continues.

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