Tristan Kerr, 17, was stabbed to death while playing Fortnite with friends at a house in Abertridwr, a small former mining village. The fatal wound was inflicted by Georgie Mears, then 19, who was two years older than Tristan but still a teenager. Another teenager, Connor Palfrey, held a wooden stick to stop Tristan's friends from intervening.
Tristan collapsed on the pavement as his friend cradled his head. He had been stabbed in the chest, with the blade puncturing his lung and heart. His attackers fled across the border in a bid to escape justice.
A beloved son, brother and rugby player
Tristan's aunt, Rachel Sprigg, paid tribute on behalf of the family, calling him a "deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend — a well-known and cherished character within his community". She described him as "handsome and quick-witted, with a passion for motorbikes and adventure" and "truly his mother's son: strong, brave and full of warmth".
The oldest son and grandson in his family, Tristan was described as an "idol" to his younger brother Conan. His aunt said he was "more than family — he was their best friend, their hero and their protector".
Tristan's mother, Claire, said: "My darling boy, our now precious angel, your memory will live on. We will forever tell your stories and your friends will make sure you're remembered too." She added: "RIP our darling boy, forever 17."
Tristan played for Senghenydd Saints RFC, the club said in a public Facebook statement: "Tristan will be fondly remembered by all those who had the pleasure of watching him shine on that pitch; as a vibrant and talented young athlete, whose passion for the game and playing with his friends, shone through."
The day of the murder
On the day of his death, Tristan left his home in Abertridwr, which he shared with his grandfather Jason. At around 3.30pm, Jason heard Tristan getting ready to go out. Tristan told him he loved him and that he would see him later.
Tristan went to the home of Ieuan Crane, also known as Eddy, in Lower Francis Street, Abertridwr, along with Conah Davies, also known as Custard, and Odhran Gulliford. They were playing Fortnite on the PlayStation on February 5.
On the morning of February 5, Mears, Palfrey, Ricardo Elliot and Elexi Manny travelled to Cardiff to attend a court hearing for Kai Raven, Ms Manny's former partner. They later attended Big Budda fish and chip shop, where Mears was seen placing something in his waistband — later revealed to be the Rambo knife used to murder Tristan.
Shortly after 4pm, they attended the Piccadilly pub in Caerphilly. The four defendants left the pub, with Palfrey turning his phone off. They drove to Lansbury Park, Llanbradach, and returned to Abertridwr at 5.36pm.
During the trial, prosecutor Michael Jones KC said: "In those moments of the defendants entering Lower Francis Street, Tristan Kerr was deliberately and fatally stabbed." He added: "On arrival, all four defendants got out of the car and walked in that house, led by Connor Palfrey, armed with that wooden stick and Georgie Mears armed with that knife."
As he entered the house, Palfrey said "Alright boys" as Mears rushed into the living room, brandishing the knife with a covering over his face. The knife was described as having a 10-inch blade and was purple and silver in colour.
Mr Jones said: "As Mears tried to repeatedly stab Tristan, unarmed, Tristan tried to defend himself but to no avail. Mears intentionally and ultimately fatally stabbed Tristan to the left midside of his chest, puncturing his left lung and heart."
Mr Crane said: "Georgie ran at Tristan who was on the settee. Tristan didn't even have a chance to get up. I didn't know he had been stabbed, there was no blood or anything." He added: "Tristan didn't even have a chance to react. It happened like that."
Mr Davies managed to unlock the back door of the living room, and he and Tristan ran out. Tristan collapsed twice more, bumping his head and his legs going underneath him. At 5.42pm, Tristan was seen on Ring doorbell footage in Lower Francis Street, steadying his hand on a bin before collapsing near a parked car.
Tristan said to Mr Davies: "Custard, I'm hurting. My side. I love you bro, You're a goodun you are." Mr Davies said: "I stroked his head and said 'You're alright, you're alright'... I grabbed Tristan's phone and rang 999. I knocked on doors asking people for blankets and tried a bit of CPR."
The escape and the trial
Ms Manny drove the defendants to Hereford, but they did not take a direct route. During the journey, Mears and Mr Elliot turned off their phones. They arrived in Hereford at 8.30pm and were seen on CCTV at Keys Court, a complex of flats where Fearn Holden lived. Mears was seen being sick out of the back of the car, wearing different clothes, which were disposed of during the journey along with the knife. Neither have been recovered by the police.
Ms Manny's car was stopped by police nearby at 10.28pm and she was arrested. Armed police attended Keys Court just before 6am, and Mears, Palfrey and Mr Elliot were arrested. All four were subsequently charged with Tristan's murder.
Tristan's body was examined by a pathologist at University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff on February 6. The stab wound entered the left chest cavity, passed through the left lung and entered the left ventricle of the heart, causing significant internal bleeding. The wound measured 3.7cm on the skin surface and had an approximate depth of 13.5cm. The cause of death was given as a stab wound to the trunk including the left lung and the heart.
A trial began at Newport Crown Court on October 5. Both Mears and Palfrey gave evidence during the trial, but Mr Elliot and Ms Manny did not. Concluding his opening to the jury, prosecutor Mr Jones said: "The prosecution case remains that Georgie Mears stabbed Tristan Kerr using a 'Rambo' style knife, having attempted to stab Tristan multiple times before the fatal blow was inflicted and causing that fatal wound."
