On May 3, 2024, a hand‑grenade explosion ripped through a house on Sterncourt Road in Bristol, killing 35‑year‑old personal assistant Jo Shaw and her 41‑year‑old former partner Ryan Kelly. An inquest heard that Shaw died from penetrating fragmentation blast injuries, while police treat the incident as a deliberate homicide‑suicide.

Ryan Kelly’s alleged forced entry and grenade detonation

Neighbour testimonies told Avon and Somerset Police that Kelly forced his way into Shaw’s home before detonating a hand grenade, a move investigators describe as a premeditated murder‑suicide. the force recorded the cause of death as homicide and is not searching for any additional suspects, according to the police briefing.

Jo Shaw’s final act saved her child’s life

Witnesses recounted that, moments before the blast, Shaw sent her toddler outside to play on a trampoline after a heated argument escalated, effectively shielding the child from the explosion. The child survived with only minor injuries , while three other occupants, including another child, sustained minor cuts and bruises.

Police timeline: 6:17 am call to 6:34 am arrival

At 6:17 am a caller inside the house reported a man forcing entry and possessing an explosive device. The caller stayed on the line, and officers were dispatched within minutes. By 6:30 am the caller confirmed the presence of a grenade, and two minutes later the blast occurred. First responders reached the scene at 6:34 am, followed by fire and ambulance crews, while the Army conducted a sweep of the surrounding neighbourhood.

Legal background of Ryan Kelly

Kelly,who was previously jailed for five years after admitting to conspiracy to supply cocaine as part of a “Breaking Bad”‑style drug gang, had a documented history of violent behaviour.. Shaw had repeatedly called police about his conduct before the fatal incident, a fact highlighetd by the coroner’s officer Abigail Carey during the hearing.

Unresolved questions about motive and warning signs

While detectives believe the explosion was intentional, the precise motive behind Kelly’s actions remains unclear. the inquest has yet to receive full background reports from Shaw’s family , her GP, and the ambulance service, leaving gaps about any missed opportunities for intervention.