Murder of Max Dixon and Mason Rist: Det Supt Gary Haskins Leads Investigation
The tragic murder of two best friends, 15-year-old Mason Rist and 16-year-old Max Dixon, has left a lasting impact on Det Supt Gary Haskins, head of the Avon and Somerset Major Crime Investigation Team. The case, which took place on January 27, shocked the community in Knowle West, South Bristol.
The attack, carried out with machetes just yards from Mason’s front door, was a case of mistaken identity. The victims had no connection to the event that led to the revenge-fueled attack. The perpetrators, four teenagers and a 45-year-old man, were on a mission to take out someone associated with an incident in Hartcliffe—a place Max and Mason had no involvement with.
Det Supt Haskins, who took the lead on the investigation, recalls receiving the distressing call about the stabbing on a Sunday morning. His team was quick to respond, with officers identifying the vehicle used by the attackers within 10 minutes and bringing Anthony Snook, the 45-year-old driver, into custody within the hour.
Snook, who had driven the teenagers around in search of a victim, tried to evade authorities by refusing to name his accomplices. However, with the help of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and relentless detective work, police were able to track down the suspects. By the end of the investigation, all five individuals involved in the attack were arrested.
The trial, which lasted six weeks at Bristol Crown Court, resulted in convictions for all five defendants. Riley Tolliver, 18, and 17-year-old Kodishai Wescott were sentenced to a minimum of 23 years, while two other teenagers, aged 15 and 16, received life sentences with minimum terms of 15 and 18 years. Anthony Snook was sentenced to a minimum of 38 years for his role in driving the attackers to the crime scene.
Det Supt Haskins describes the attack as one of the most violent and shocking cases he’s ever encountered. He emphasizes the collective nature of the crime, stating that the perpetrators acted together with intent and purpose.
Reflecting on the tragedy, Haskins, a parent himself, expresses deep concern about the future of youth violence and its societal implications. He stresses the importance of law enforcement’s role in creating a legacy of safety and prevention for future generations.
“This case is a stark reminder of how easily violence can spiral, and how it impacts not just the victims, but their families, friends, and entire communities,” Haskins says. “There are no winners here—only families damaged for life.”
The investigation into Max and Mason’s deaths serves as both a sobering reflection on the dangers of youth violence and a commitment to preventing further tragedies.
