A woman who was killed in an explosion at her home died from 'penetrating fragmentation blast injuries', an inquest has heard. Jo Shaw, 35, died in the blast in Sterncourt Road in Bristol on May 3, which detectives believe was caused deliberately by her former partner, Ryan Kelly, 41, who also suffered fatal injuries.
A woman who was killed in an explosion at her home died from 'penetrating fragmentation blast injuries', an inquest has heard. Jo Shaw, 35, died in the blast in Sterncourt Road in Bristol on May 3, which detectives believe was caused deliberately by her former partner , Ryan Kelly, 41, who also suffered fatal injuries.
Neighbours have said Mr Kelly forced his way into the house and detonated a hand grenade in a murder-suicide plot. The young mother-of-one had fled from him in fear for her safety and moved in with her family. She had repeatedly called police over his behaviour before her death.
Ms Shaw was able to save her child's life in the moments before the explosion by sending him outside to play on a trampoline after a serious argument began between her and Mr Kelly. Avon and Somerset Police are treating the cause of the explosion as deliberate and recorded Ms Shaw's death as a homicide. The force is not looking for anyone else in connection with her death. Three other people, including a child, sustained minor injuries.
An inquest into her death was opened by assistant Avon coroner Debbie Rookes during a brief hearing at Avon Coroner's Court in Flax Bourton. Coroner's officer Abigail Carey told the hearing Ms Shaw was pronounced dead at home by paramedics at 7am, shortly after the incident.
'Police and emergency services attended her home address following activation of an explosive device,' she said. 'A short form post-mortem report from Dr Russell Delaney gives a proposed cause of death as penetrating fragmentation blast injury to the chest and pelvis. ' The court heard Ms Shaw, who was single and who worked as a personal assistant, was formally identified by her family.
Ms Rookes formally adjourned proceedings and requested further reports from a general practitioner, the police, ambulance service and pathologist. She also requested further background information from Ms Shaw's family, who were not present at the hearing. Jo Shaw, 35, died in the blast in Sterncourt Road in Bristol on May 3, which detectives believe was caused deliberately by her former partner. Loving tributes poured in for Ms Shaw, with her heartbroken family paying homage to her 'warmth, kindness, and strength'.
Avon and Somerset Police are treating the cause of the explosion as deliberate and recorded Ms Shaw's death as a homicide. Adjourning the hearing, the coroner said: 'The file will be reviewed by a coroner on July 20 and I will provisionally list this matter for an inquest hearing here at Avon Coroner's Court on August 11 2026.
' Ms Shaw's family said in a tribute: 'Joanne brought warmth, kindness, and strength into the lives of countless people. Her loving presence will be missed more than words can ever express, but her memory will forever remain in our hearts.
' They added: 'Her child has suffered the unimaginable loss of their mummy in this tragedy. Joanne's love for her child was boundless, and the centre of her world. She was a devoted and loving mother. Joanne's actions were nothing short of heroic.
She showed extraordinary strength, selflessness, and love in the face of unimaginable fear, placing herself between danger and those she loved. She will always be remembered not for the violence inflicted upon her, but for her bravery, her protective instinct, and the ultimate sacrifice she made for others. We ask for privacy at this deeply difficult time as we mourn our tragic loss. Joanne will always be in our memories, our thoughts, and our hearts.
We love you forever, sweetheart. Mummy, I miss you and love you so much.
' Ms Shaw, known as Jo, grew up in the Stapleton area of Bristol where her family said she was well-known for her 'bubbly, friendly personality'. They said she loved meeting new people, listening to their stories, sharing advice and forming connections resulting in 'eternal friendships'. She was the 'life and soul not only of the party, but our lives', they added.
Ryan Kelly (pictured), 41, has been named locally as the man who died after he is believed to have turned up at his ex-girlfriend's doorstep and caused the explosion. A mugshot of Kelly in 2015. He was jailed for five years after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine as part of a 'Breaking Bad' drugs gang.
Police previously said a call was received from a person inside the house at 6.17am reporting a domestic-related incident, saying a man they knew had forced entry to the house. The caller remained on the line while officers were dispatched to the house, and at 6.30am the caller told police the man was believed to be in possession of an explosive device.
About two minutes later there was an explosion at the property, in which Ms Shaw and her former partner died. Officers arrived at the property at 6.34am and fire and ambulance services shortly afterwards. Residents were evacuated from neighbouring properties as a precaution, and searches were carried out by the Army to ensure the area was safe
Explosion Homicide Deliberate Former Partner Murder-Suicide Plot Personal Assistant Stapleton Area Of Bristol Eternal Friendships Breaking Bad
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