The family of a mother who was fatally attacked by her teenage son has shared her distressing pleas for assistance before the tragic incident. The son’s sibling fondly remembers her as an exceptional mother figure.
Tristan Roberts, 18, murdered Angela Shellis, a 45-year-old teaching assistant, after consulting an AI chatbot for guidance. Living with his mother, Roberts meticulously planned the brutal crime for over three weeks. He openly discussed his intentions on the social media platform Discord, expressing a desire for a violent act akin to the movie “American Psycho” and seeking advice from an AI assistant on weapon choices.
The violent assault by Roberts commenced around 11 pm and extended until 3:30 am. Subsequently, he escorted his mother outside under the pretense of seeking medical aid but instead led her to a secluded location where he fatally struck her with a hammer, resulting in her tragic death near a nature reserve in Prestatyn, North Wales, in October of the previous year.
Following Roberts’ life imprisonment sentence, his older brother Ethan and aunt Sarah Gunter spoke out about Angela’s relentless efforts to seek help for her autistic son Tristan. Sarah disclosed an email Angela had sent to the local health board a year before the incident, emphasizing her determination to support her son despite the challenges he faced.
Expressing their thoughts after Roberts’ sentencing at Mold Crown Court, Sarah, 44, mentioned the lack of remorse displayed by the perpetrator and expressed her deep concern over the tragic outcome. She highlighted the need for accountability among support services like CAMHS and social services, emphasizing their responsibility to protect and aid individuals in need.
Ethan reflected on a poignant moment shared with his mother just weeks before the tragic incident, reminiscing about her anticipation of Tristan’s 18th birthday celebration. Despite the challenging circumstances, Angela looked forward to a simple celebration with her son, bonding over shared activities and favorite TV shows.
In court, it was revealed that Tristan had meticulously planned the fatal attack, shocking his family members with the extent of his preparations. His online messages indicated a desire for revenge and justice, leading to a tragic outcome that left his family devastated and questioning the system’s failure to address his escalating mental health issues.
The family recalled past incidents where Tristan’s behavior had raised concerns, including a disturbing episode during a holiday in Scotland and previous encounters with mental health services that failed to provide adequate support. Despite multiple pleas for help, Tristan’s escalating behavior culminated in a tragic and irreversible act of violence against his own mother.
As the family grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, they express a mix of emotions towards Tristan, hoping for his rehabilitation while grappling with the profound loss and devastation caused by his actions. Their collective hope remains rooted in a desire for Tristan to receive the necessary help and support, honoring Angela’s memory and the love she had for her son.
