An image collage containing 1 images, Image 1 shows Headshot of Tristan Kerr, who died from stab wounds in a Welsh village

A HEARTBROKEN mum has paid an emotional tribute to her “handsome and quick-witted son” after he was stabbed to death.

Tristan Shae Kerr, 17, was brutally attacked with a zombie knife at around 5.45pm on Thursday last week.

Headshot of Tristan Kerr, who died from stab wounds in a Welsh village.
Tristan Shae Kerr, 17, was found with stab wounds on February 5Credit: WNS
 

Portrait of 17-year-old rugby player Tristan Kerr.
Connor Palfrey, 24, has been charged with murderCredit: WNS
 

Elexi Manny, 24, accused of murder.
Elexi Manny, 24, is also accused of killing TristanCredit: WNS
Cops were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly after receiving reports a teenager had sustained serious injuries.

Tristan was found at the scene suffering from stab wounds and tragically passed away a short while later despite the best efforts of medics.

Three men, Ricardo Elliot, 26, Connor Palfrey, 24, and Georgie Mears, 18, have all been charged with his murder.

Elexi Manny, 24, is also accused of the killing of Tristan.

In an emotional tribute, Tristan’s family described him as: “A deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend — a well-known and cherished character in his community.”

“Tristan was handsome and quick-witted, with a passion for motorbikes and adventure. He had a spark about him that drew people in, and an energy that filled every room he entered,” they wrote.

“He was truly his mother’s son: strong, brave and full of warmth, with a heart that cared deeply for those he loved.

“To his brothers and sisters, he was more than family — he was their best friend, their hero and their protector, always standing beside them and never far when he was needed. His presence brought comfort, laughter and reassurance.

“He was his brother Conon’s idol, someone to look up to. He was an older brother to Aliyah and never far behind her.

“Tristan was mischievous, always finding a way to make people laugh and lifting spirits even on difficult days.

“Tristan had a way of leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met — not just for his humour, but for his loyalty, kindness and the love he gave so freely.

“He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the memories he created, the smiles he left behind and the space in our hearts that will always belong to him.

“My darling boy, our now precious angel, your memory will live on. We will forever tell your stories and your friends will make sure you’re remembered too.

“Your smile that lit up a room will be cherished and deeply missed. You have broken so many hearts but opened so many eyes.

A crime scene with a police van, a forensic officer in a white suit, and crime scene tape.
Cops were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly after receiving reports a teenager had sustained serious injuriesCredit: WNS
 

A man with light brown hair, wearing a black puffer jacket and a pink shirt, looks directly into the camera.
Tristan was sadly pronounced dead a short time laterCredit: WNS
 

Tristan Shae Kerr and another person smiling.
Tristan’s family paid a heartbreaking tributeCredit: PA
 

Illustration of Tristan Kerr as an angel and a dirt bike with the text "Forever Young."
A balloon ceremony was held on Monday in memory of TristanCredit: WNS
“We will love you for a life time, it’s not goodbye, it’s until we meet.

“RIP our darling boy, forever 17.”

This comes as all four defendants accused of murder appeared via videolink for a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court today.

All four spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and dates of birth.

The four are due to appear in court in April and all were remanded in custody.

A 28-year-old woman from Hereford who was arrested on Friday on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

‘A SMILE THAT LIT UP A ROOM’

Tristan’s aunt Rachel Spriggs said: “Our precious boy has lost his life to a tragic incident.

“He had his whole life ahead of him and will never have the opportunity to fulfil his dreams and potential in what he could have achieved in life.

“His love for his dog Karma, sports and the thrill of riding motorbikes never went unnoticed.

“Tristan’s short lived life was full of fun, mischief and happiness.

“He was a charming young man, loyal to his family and friends and had a smile that lit up a room.

“A cheeky chappie who everyone knew and was loved for his spontaneity.”

He was truly his mother’s son: strong, brave and full of warmth, with a heart that cared deeply for those he loved

Family tribute

And cousin Lacey Kerr said on social media: “Oh Tristan never in a million years did I think I’d be writing this…..utterly shattered. I will never meet a soul on this planet quite yours, we argued like siblings but you’d never have a bad word said about me unless it was you.

“The whole family is devastated, you hadn’t even started life we still had so many things planned.

“I can’t fathom that I’ll never see your cheeky smile again I want to wake up and this all be a dream, I love you so much your name will never ever be forgotten.”

Tristan also played for the local Sengenydd rugby team.

A club statement said: “Tristan will be fondly remembered by all those who had the pleasure of watching him shine on that pitch; as a vibrant & talented young athlete, whose passion for the game and playing with his friends, shone through.

“A cheeky chap around the club, with an infectious smile & personality to boot!

“Tristan will be sorely missed by us all.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths, the senior investigating officer, said: “We understand that this investigation has caused a huge amount of interest and we remain focussed on bringing anyone found to be responsible to justice for the victim and his family.

“As our enquiries continue, we would reiterate our request for people to avoid speculation around those involved which may impact our officers’ ability to establish the facts as some of the comments veer towards misinformation.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends at this difficult time, so if you have any details that could assist with our investigation then please contact us.”

Tristan Kerr, a young man with light hair and a serious expression, wearing a black parka with a fur-lined hood.
Tributes have poured in for the much-loved 17-year-oldCredit: WNS
 

Black and white photograph of Tristan Kerr, a rugby player, with "Sengenhydd R.F.C." and "Tristan Shae Kerr" written on the image.
Tristan played for the local Sengenydd rugby teamCredit: WNS
 

Elexi Manny, charged with murder, taking a mirror selfie.
All four defendants accused of murder appeared via videolink for a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court todayCredit: WNS