“To not be able to hear your voice and laugh ever again is truly heartbreaking”
12:18, 06 May 2026Updated 12:59, 06 May 2026
Jo Shaw (Image: Facebook)
Devastated friends have paid tribute to the “friendliest and kindest” mum who was killed in an explosion that’s thought to have been detonated by her ex partner in Bristol.
Jo Shaw, 35, died in the blast at a house on Sterncourt Road, Frenchay, on Sunday morning (May 3), along with Ryan Kelly.
Shocked neighbours said Kelly, 41, arrived at her family home carrying what they described as a “grenade” which he then detonated, killing them both.
Tributes have been pouring in since the incident with the mum being described as being the “friendliest” person who was “beautiful inside and out”.
One friend said: “Thinking of you Joey and lots of care and love to your friends and family. I’m shocked and upset to hear that this has happened to you.”
Another wrote: “I’m so shocked. I feel like we were only messaging on chat not even that long ago.
“Rest in peace Jo. So much love for you, I enjoyed the times I spent with you.
“You were such an outgoing, friendly person with a great, unique energy. You will be missed.
“Sending love to your family.”
One heartbroken friend said she had the “prettiest eyes” while another said: “RIP Joey Elizabeth Shaw. No words for what has happened to you, beautiful inside and out, you’ll never be forgotten.”
Another said: “RIP Joey I can’t believe I’m writing this.
“You were one of the friendliest, kindest, most happy go lucky people I knew.
“I’ll always remember our family holiday to Devon, all the fun and silly antics we had, so many laughs that I’ll never forget and you teaching me all about eggy bread.
“I’m so sorry this has happened to you, Jo. I’ll never forget your beautiful eyes.
“To not be able to hear your voice and laugh ever again is truly heartbreaking, and we’re all still in complete shock. You’ll be missed more than words can say. Sleep peacefully, Joey.”
Police confirmed officers received a call from someone inside the property at 6.17am reporting a domestic-related incident.
The caller stated that a man known to them had forced his way into the house.
At around 6.30am, the caller said the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device. Around two minutes later an explosion happened.
The first officers arrived at the property at 6.34am and were joined by the fire and ambulance services shortly afterwards.
As well as the two fatalities, three other people, including the person who called police and one child, were treated for minor injuries and did not need to stay in hospital.
Avon and Somerset Police said it would be making a mandatory referral to the police watchdog – the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the incident.
This is on the grounds of previous police contact regarding other domestic incidents before Sunday.
Superintendent Matt Ebbs from Avon and Somerset Police, said Jo’s death has officially been recorded as a homicide “based on the information known to us at this time”.