Rapper incarcerato per l'omicidio di una star dei social media durante le riprese di un video musicale a Epping

A rapper has been sentenced to at least 28 years in prison for the murder of a popular social media star during a music video shoot in Epping, Essex. Ellis Heather, known in the drill music scene as Rackz, was found guilty of killing Stephen Morrisson, referred to as Zero Ls, during a filmed session in June 2020. The incident occurred amid a meticulously planned production involving models, extras, and live reptiles, including snakes and a Komodo dragon. Heather's sentencing came after a trial at the Old Bailey, where he was convicted of murder while his co-defendant, Yonas Girma, known as Yosh, was acquitted of involvement. The shooting took place on 23 June 2020 at a location in Epping. According to court proceedings, Morrisson, 30, wandered onto the set uninvited. He reportedly caused disruption, hitting his head on a tree and appearing intoxicated. At some point, he allegedly drove toward members of the film crew, prompting them to scatter. During this chaotic moment, Morrisson was fatally stabbed in the chest. Following the attack, Heather attended a party with friends, where they played music by Morrisson’s brother, who had achieved chart success in the UK. Heather later rapped about the incident, with lyrics stating, “OL [Zero Ls] got wet and he’s dead (wet, wet, wet, wet).” This detail was presented to the jury during the trial. Both Heather and Girma initially denied any role in the stabbing. However, a jury at the Old Bailey found Heather guilty of murder, while Girma was exonerated. Judge Nigel Lickley KC imposed a life sentence on Heather with a minimum term of 28 years. The ruling followed a statement from Morrisson’s mother, Lorraine, who spoke on behalf of her family. She described her son as a devoted father, son, brother, and uncle, emphasizing the importance of keeping his memory alive for his young son and extended family. The trial revealed that the music video shoot was organized with precision, involving a team of professionals and live animals. The group filmed at two locations in Essex, including the Wake Valley car park. Around 7:34 pm, a member of the crew was photographed with a large snake around her neck. Shortly afterward, Morrisson was found dead, and the defendants fled the scene. Following the incident, a woman who participated in the shoot contacted emergency services, reporting that she believed Heather was responsible. In May 2024, she gave a detailed account of the events. She described Morrisson as behaving erratically, shouting loudly, and hitting his head against a tree. At one point, he appeared to drive toward the group, causing them to jump back. The woman identified Heather and Girma at the forefront of the group. According to the testimony, Morrisson seemed intoxicated and circled the tree several times before suddenly braking. The witnesses claimed that Heather raised his arm toward Morrisson, though no knife was visible. As Morrisson drove off, he was bleeding heavily from his neck. The woman later accompanied Heather to a remote area where he allegedly discarded the murder weapon and tossed a bloodstained cloth from the car. During the journey, Heather reportedly felt unwell, telling the woman to take control of the vehicle and vomiting out the window. When asked why he was ill, he responded, “This is my first M,” which was interpreted as slang for murder. Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, the lead investigator, stated that the sentencing marked a significant step in justice for the victim’s family. The case highlighted the intersection of celebrity culture, music production, and violent crime, drawing attention to the potential dangers associated with high-profile shoots. The prosecution emphasized the premeditated nature of the planning and the subsequent actions taken by Heather, underscoring the severity of the crime committed.