Teenagers Fatally Stabbed in Bristol: Vigilante Gang Mistakenly Targets Innocent Boys
October 9, 2024This earlier property damage incident occurred just an hour before the attack, prompting the gang to seek revenge.
The group, which included Antony Snook (45) and Riley Tolliver (18), arrived armed with machetes and other weapons in an Audi Q2.
As the boys tried to escape, they were chased down and ultimately sustained fatal stab wounds.
All five defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, are charged with two counts of murder and are considered jointly responsible for the attack.
Prosecutor Ray Tully KC stated that the gang's premeditated actions and the weapons they carried made the tragic outcome unsurprising.
The trial is currently underway at Bristol Crown Court, expected to last approximately 10 weeks, with the teenage defendants receiving assistance due to special educational needs.
The attack was carried out by a vigilante gang who mistakenly believed the boys were involved in an earlier incident where bricks were thrown, injuring a woman.
On January 27, 2023, two teenage boys, Mason Rist (15) and Max Dixon (16), were fatally stabbed in Knowle West, Bristol, in a case of mistaken identity.
CCTV footage captured the attackers exiting the vehicle and assaulting Mason and Max, who attempted to flee.
The jury for the trial consists of nine men and three women, and it is anticipated to conclude by the end of November 2023.
The prosecution argues that the defendants acted on a joint mission for revenge, incorrectly identifying Mason and Max as the attackers.
However, the boys had no connection to the earlier incident and were simply walking home when they were targeted.
Summary based on 5 sources
Get a daily email with more UK News stories
Sources
The Guardian • Oct 9, 2024
Two boys murdered in case of mistaken identity, Bristol court toldThe Independent • Oct 9, 2024
Two boys murdered in ‘revenge’ attack over brick thrown at home in case of mistaken identity, jury toldExpress.co.uk • Oct 9, 2024
Two schoolboys murdered by vigilante gang in case of 'mistaken identity'