Man, 44, charged with murders of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16

31 January 2024 , 20:12

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A sign near to the scene in south Bristol (Image: PA Wire)

Detectives have charged a 44-year-old man with the murders of Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16 - with a total of eight people arrested.

The two teenagers were attacked by a group of people in the Knowle West area of Bristol on Saturday (January 27). Police officers and members of the public went to their aid, but sadly they both died of their injuries in hospital in the early hours of Sunday. Anthony Snook, of Hartcliffe, Bristol, will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (February 1).

The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service following a review of the evidence collated by Avon and Somerset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT). Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins, head of the MCIT, said: “This is a pivotal moment in our investigation and Mason’s and Max’s families have both been informed of this development.

Court sketch of Anthony Snook appearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court (PA)

“Specialist family liaison officers are providing them with support and we continue to ask their privacy is respected and they are given space to grieve. A total of eight people have been arrested as part of our investigation with five others in addition to Anthony Snook still in police custody.

“Our inquiry is continuing at pace with than 100 officers and staff working around the clock to bring all those responsible for Mason’s and Max’s death to justice. We will continue to provide updates on any developments when we can.

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“In the meantime, we’d like to remind people of the impact speculation, footage and images on social media could have on both Mason’s and Max’s families as well as on forthcoming proceedings."

Mason Rist, 15 (PA)

Max Dixon, 16 (PA)

Victoria Cook, chief crown prosecutor for CPS South West, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has today authorised Avon and Somerset Police to charge Anthony Snook, 44, with the murder of 15-year-old Mason Rist and 16-year-old Max Dixon, who were killed following a stabbing in Bristol on January 27 2024.

“Anthony Snook will appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on February 1, 2024. Prosecutors from CPS South West’s complex casework unit authorised the charge following a review of a file of evidence received from Avon & Somerset Police.

“We remind all concerned that proceedings against Anthony Snook are now active and he has the right to a fair trial. There should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

Ryan Merrifield