Jury Hears Group Was ‘Armed to the Teeth’ in Teenagers’ Murder Trial

A jury heard that five individuals embarked in a vehicle, described as “armed to the teeth,” seeking retribution following damage to a residence, and subsequently killed two teenagers due to mistaken identity. Max Dixon, aged 16, and Mason Rist, aged 15, sustained fatal stab wounds during an assault by four teenagers in Knowle West, Bristol, in January. Anthony Snook, 45, Riley Tolliver, 18, along with three male youths aged 15, 16, and 17, are currently facing trial at Bristol Crown Court on charges of murder in connection with the deaths. Ray Tully, the prosecuting barrister, informed the jury that the prosecution’s argument is that the murders were committed by the five defendants as part of a “joint enterprise,” motivated by a “desire for revenge.” He stated in his closing speech, “We say at the end of the case, having heard all of the evidence, that evidence demonstrates that each of the five defendants in the dock is guilty of the murder of both Max and Mason.” He added, “There is a glue that links them together and involves all of the individual defendants on the night.” Mr. Tully further asserted, “Each of these four boys are armed. Max and Mason are the focus of their attention and are equal targets for the four.” The court heard that Max and Mason, who were close friends, had been mistakenly identified as the individuals responsible for throwing bricks at a house in the adjacent Hartcliffe district earlier on the same evening. Mr Tully further commented, “If there is going to be revenge or retaliation it is going to be against the group who they think is responsible for the attack on that house.” Mr Tully stated that the four younger defendants possessed weapons, while Mr Snook acted as the driver, transporting them to and from the location of the assault in Ilminster Avenue on 27 January. He posed the question, “They intended as a group, we suggest, that both boys should be caused really serious injury. Why else would they be taking weapons?” He also noted, “They have a getaway driver with the engine running, moving his way down the road, enabling them to get away quickly.” Mr Snook had previously informed the jury that claims of his involvement in a revenge mission were “utter rubbish,” and that he believed he was driving his co-defendants to a safe house after the initial incident, unaware that any of them were armed. Mr Tully characterized Mr Snook’s testimony to the jury as “little more than pure fiction.” He remarked, “When you pull apart the threads it very quickly unravels.” He continued, “He drove a carful of teenagers armed to the teeth to Knowle West. They are sharking around for targets.” The defendant aged 15 has confessed to the murder of Mason but refutes the murder of Max, whereas the 17-year-old has admitted to the manslaughter of Max but denies his murder, and also denies murdering Mason. Mr Snook, Mr Tolliver, and the 16-year-old defendant each deny both murder charges. The legal proceedings are ongoing. For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.