Tristan Roberts became the subject of a major homicide investigation after murdering his mother, Angela Shellis, at Coed y Morfa nature reserve near Prestatyn, North Wales, in October 2025. Following an extensive police investigation, Roberts was convicted of murder at Mold Crown Court in 2026 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term before parole eligibility.
Early Life
Tristan Roberts lived in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, Wales, and resided on Coniston Drive with his mother, Angela Shellis, at the time of the offence.
Little verified information has been publicly released regarding his childhood, education, or employment. Public reporting has focused primarily on the homicide investigation and subsequent court proceedings.
Before the murder, Roberts had no comparable nationally reported criminal profile.
Killing Spree
In October 2025, Roberts murdered his mother, Angela Shellis.
The killing occurred at Coed y Morfa nature reserve near Prestatyn, where investigators later established that Angela had been fatally attacked. Following the murder, Roberts attempted to conceal aspects of the crime before police launched an extensive investigation into her disappearance.
Detectives gathered forensic evidence and reconstructed Roberts' movements, ultimately identifying him as the person responsible for Angela Shellis' death.
Modus Operandi
Investigators determined that Roberts acted alone in murdering his mother.
The prosecution relied upon forensic evidence, witness testimony, digital evidence, and Roberts' actions following the killing to demonstrate his responsibility. The investigation also examined efforts made after the murder to conceal the offence.
The evidence presented at trial established Roberts' involvement beyond reasonable doubt.
Capture
Following Angela Shellis' disappearance, North Wales Police launched a major investigation involving searches, forensic examinations, and witness interviews.
As evidence accumulated, detectives arrested Tristan Roberts and charged him with murder.
The investigation continued through to trial, with prosecutors presenting extensive forensic and circumstantial evidence linking Roberts to the crime.
Trial & Sentence
Tristan Roberts stood trial at Mold Crown Court.
On 25 March 2026, he was convicted of the murder of Angela Shellis.
The court sentenced Roberts to life imprisonment with a minimum term before he becomes eligible to apply for parole.
He remains incarcerated within the prison system serving his life sentence.
Notes
The murder of Angela Shellis had a profound impact on her family and the local community in North Wales.
The investigation highlighted the extensive work undertaken by North Wales Police, forensic specialists, and prosecutors in reconstructing the events leading to Angela's death and securing Roberts' conviction.
The case remains one of the most significant homicide investigations in North Wales during 2025.
Media
📺 Documentaries / TV Series
The Case of Tristan Roberts (2026)
Examines the murder of Angela Shellis, the investigation, forensic evidence, and the prosecution.
Crime+Investigation UK
Profiles the investigation into Angela Shellis' death and the conviction of Tristan Roberts.
🎥 Major Video Interviews
North Wales Police press conferences
Authorities discussed the homicide investigation, forensic evidence, searches, Roberts' arrest, and the prosecution.
Courtroom coverage
Media examined witness testimony, forensic evidence, the guilty verdict, and Roberts' life sentence.
🎙️ Podcasts
BBC Wales Crime
Examined the investigation into Angela Shellis' murder and the criminal proceedings.
The Trial
Covered the prosecution, evidence, and sentencing.
They Walk Among Us
Examined the investigation, forensic evidence, and conviction.
📰 Written Media Coverage
The Tristan Roberts case received extensive media coverage from:
BBC News, North Wales Live, Daily Post, ITV News, The Independent, PA Media
Major themes included:
Tristan Roberts, Angela Shellis, Prestatyn, Coed y Morfa nature reserve, North Wales, matricide, homicide investigation, Mold Crown Court, life imprisonment, and one of North Wales' most significant murder cases.
