Drill rapper Ellis Heather, 25, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Stephen Morrison, 30, who was stabbed during a music video shoot in Epping Forest in June 2020. Heather must serve a minimum of 28 years before becoming eligible for parole, the Old Bailey ruled on Friday (17 July 2026).
Details of the attack
The fatal incident occurred in a car park near the Wake Arms roundabout in Epping, Essex, while Heather was filming a drill music video featuring large snakes and a Komodo dragon. Morrison, known as Zero Ls, approached the film crew and attempted to participate, which annoyed the crew. Heather then stabbed Morrison without justification, according to the court. Morrison managed to escape and seek help but died from his injuries in hospital.
Sentencing remarks
His Honour Judge Lickley KC stated that Heather was "armed with a knife" and wielded it "to deadly effect" in a "moment of extreme violence." The judge noted that Heather left Morrison at the scene, later boasted about his actions in a music video, and taunted Morrison's family.
Victim impact statement
Stephen Morrison's mother, Lorraine, shared a statement in court: "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." She added: "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."
Investigation and evidence
The sentencing concluded a six-year investigation. Officers reviewed over 200 hours of CCTV footage and seized more than 1,000 items of evidence, including 50 mobile phones. 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." He added: "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."
