Channel 4 aired a "traumatising" true crime documentary on September 28, exploring a murder that stunned the nation. The episode, part of 999: What Happened Next, followed detectives as they investigated the killing of Angela Shellis, a 45-year-old single mother found dead in a North Wales nature reserve.
Viewers witnessed the investigation unfold, with police describing the crime scene as the "stuff of nightmares" and the case as "deeply disturbing." Claire Owen of North Wales Police said the scene resembled something from a "horror film." Angela Shellis was killed by her own son, Tristan Roberts, who was previously jailed.
Investigation details and viewer reactions
An official synopsis reads: "When a body is discovered brutally murdered in a remote nature reserve in North Wales, detectives begin a complex investigation to uncover how she came to be there. They quickly identified the victim as a 45-year-old woman who had been reported missing from her family home. Officers piece together her final movements and examine those closest to her. With a family left searching for answers, detectives follow the evidence to uncover what really happened. The answers are devastating, leaving a family destroyed."
Channel 4 Documentaries teased the episode online, writing: "A dead body is found in a North Wales nature reserve, revealing a deeply disturbing and sinister murder in the family. And a high-end crime gang is running loose in West Mercia. Watch '999: What happened next' on Channel 4 tonight at 9pm."
Viewers took to social media to express their shock. One person wrote: "That was quite traumatising! #999Whathappenednext." Another called it a "tough watch," and a third added: "This is Horrific."
Other cases and streaming details
Elsewhere in the episode, viewers saw a West Mercia Police operation following a series of aggravated burglaries. The synopsis adds: "In just two months their crimes total over 3 million pounds. As investigators examine links between offences, they uncover an organised crime group using increasingly sophisticated methods to avoid detection, including attempts to destroy forensic evidence at crime scenes. But they are not as diligent with evidence on their phones. Across both cases, detectives face challenging investigations where every detail matters. Can they uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice?"
The series first aired earlier this year and gained a following, particularly among fans of 24 Hours in Police Custody. One Reddit user praised it, saying: "There are 2-3 different cases in each episode and I've been on the edge of my seat at times watching it!"
The series has seemingly come to an end, with no new episodes scheduled. Channel 4 will instead air new legal drama Pierre in its usual 9pm slot on Monday, October 5. 999: What Happened Next can be streamed on Channel 4 online.
