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Inquest Says Bristol Mother Died From Penetrating Blast Injuries After Home Explosion

The coroner opened then adjourned the case pending new reports.

Overview

  • The inquest, which opened Monday, May 18, confirmed Jo Shaw, 35, died from penetrating fragmentation injuries to her chest and pelvis.
  • Police say the May 3 Sterncourt Road blast was a deliberate act recorded as homicide and they are not seeking other suspects.
  • Officers received a 6:17am domestic call, were told at 6:30am a man had an explosive device, and a blast about two minutes later killed Shaw and Ryan Kelly and left three others, including a child, with minor injuries.
  • Investigators said emergency teams secured the scene and later searched a linked address in Speedwell, where no evacuations were needed.
  • The court set a file review for July 20 and provisionally listed a full inquest for August 11, 2026.