A heartbroken mother has condemned what she calls a catastrophic "missed opportunity" by police that could have prevented the brutal murders of two teenagers in Bristol. Nikki Knight's 15-year-old son Mason Rist and his 16-year-old friend Max Dixon were stabbed to death in what was described as a revenge attack after being wrongly identified.
Fatal Encounter on a Pizza Run
The two friends were ambushed while on their way to get pizza in the Knowle area of Bristol. Anthony Snook, 45, arrived in his Audi with several youths including Riley Tolliver, 18, and Kodi Wescott, 17, along with other teenagers who cannot be named for legal reasons. CCTV footage from Nikki Knight's own home captured the horrific 33-second attack that unfolded just metres from the family residence where Mason grew up with his siblings.
Weapons That Sealed Their Fate
The attackers brandished multiple weapons including a machete, zombie knife, and baseball bat. Max and Mason suffered what were described as "unsurvivable" stab wounds before the assailants fled the scene. During the subsequent trial, Snook attempted to claim he was unaware the youths were armed and denied any knowledge of knives being in his vehicle.
The Critical Eight-Day Gap
What has emerged as particularly devastating for the grieving mother is information she only recently received about an incident that occurred just eight days before the murders. On Friday, January 19, 2024, police stopped Anthony Snook and discovered a machete-style knife in the boot of his car.
"The authorities have failed the kids," Nikki Knight stated emphatically. "Just days before the murders they found a machete in the boot of Anthony Snook's car. We were never told about that in the trial. He was not arrested and it was not given as evidence. I've just found out about it."
The Fishing Equipment Explanation
Snook reportedly told officers he was an "avid angler" and claimed the weapon was simply part of his regular fishing equipment. The police accepted this explanation, seized the knife, and allowed him to continue his journey without arrest. The incident was merely reported for "further enquiries" but no immediate action was taken against Snook.
"I asked the police why they didn't tell me," Nikki continued. "The worst thing about it is they sent him on his way. Just days later he has murdered two innocent boys."
Systemic Failures and Legal Consequences
Following Snook's conviction and sentencing to a minimum of 38 years for the double murder, the Crown Prosecution Service ruled it was not in the public interest to pursue separate possession charges for the earlier machete incident. Avon and Somerset Police conducted a review of how the January stop was handled and deemed their officer's actions "entirely appropriate," deciding no further action would be taken.
However, Nikki Knight remains unconvinced and is preparing legal action. "I am going to see a solicitor as there are serious failings," she declared. "There are problems all along the line. If he was remanded then this tragedy wouldn't have happened. The police never told me what happened. They have since confirmed it, they just let him go."
A Mother's Determination for Accountability
Nikki has vowed to use her grief to fuel a campaign for accountability, stating that her aim for 2026 is to hold responsible parties to account. "This is not about money at all," she emphasized. "I am talking to solicitors hoping to get somewhere. I have got fight in me. I am not having this. They have all got to be held accountable."
She specifically criticized what she perceives as systemic failures: "I want to sue the council, social services and police. The kids were all under review. What are they doing to do? A serious case review? It is too little too late. They should have kept our kids safe, but they failed them badly."
The Ongoing Struggle with Loss
Nikki acknowledged that pursuing this battle gives her purpose as she struggles to cope with her devastating loss. "All the authorities and organisations failed them," she reflected. "They need to take responsibility and action so it does not happen again. But we all know it will happen to another family. There is no point having all these reviews until they actually implement something."
She added with heartbreaking honesty: "I've only just got Mason's phone back but I've not been able to turn it on yet. People say time's a healer but personally, two years on, I feel like I am falling apart."
Police Statement on the Incident
Avon and Somerset Police provided a statement regarding the January stop: "We detained and reported Snook at the roadside for being in possession of a bladed article (after a knife was found in his boot) which he stated he used for fishing. The knife was seized and the case against him was not continued after he was charged and later sentenced for the murder."
Despite this official position, Nikki Knight remains resolute in her belief that a crucial opportunity to prevent tragedy was missed when a machete was dismissed as fishing equipment just days before it became a murder weapon.
