The police oversight agency is conducting an inquiry into the deaths of a woman and her ex-partner following a house explosion in Bristol. Jo Shaw, aged 35, succumbed to severe injuries when her former partner, 41-year-old Ryan Kelly, intentionally set off an explosive device at her residence on Sterncourt Road on May 3, resulting in the demise of both individuals.
Kelly, a former member of a local drug gang, arrived at Shaw’s home with an explosive device in hand and triggered its detonation, leading to the tragic incident. A neighbor mentioned that Shaw had instructed a child to go outside and play on a trampoline during an altercation just before the explosion.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated an investigation into the interactions between Ms. Shaw, Mr. Kelly, and the Avon and Somerset Police before their deaths. Neighbors revealed that Shaw had reported ongoing harassment by Kelly to the authorities prior to the tragic incident.
The IOPC director, Derrick Campbell, expressed condolences to all affected parties and highlighted the need for a comprehensive investigation into the events preceding the tragedy. The police have classified the explosion as deliberate, labeling Shaw’s death as a homicide. Three additional individuals, including a child, sustained minor injuries in the blast.
The police received a call at 6:17 am reporting a domestic-related issue, with the caller indicating forced entry by a known individual. Law enforcement officers were dispatched while the caller stayed on the line, notifying the police at 6:30 am that the individual was in possession of an explosive device. Shortly thereafter, the explosion occurred, resulting in the fatalities of Shaw and Kelly.
For confidential assistance, the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline is available 24/7 at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialized support for those impacted by fatal domestic abuse.