An 18-year-old man has been jailed for life after admitting the murder of his mother in Prestatyn.

The body of 45-year-old Angela Shellis was discovered in undergrowth at Morfa Nature Park on the morning of 24 October 2025 by a member of the public. She had suffered severe head injuries following a sustained and violent attack.

A major investigation was launched by North Wales Police, and her son, Tristan Roberts, was quickly identified as a suspect. He was arrested at his home in Prestatyn and later charged with murder after several days in custody.

Detectives established that Angela had been held inside the family home for more than four hours before her death, during which time she was assaulted and prevented from leaving her bedroom while Roberts was armed with a hammer.

CCTV footage showed the pair leaving the property shortly before 3.20am, walking towards the Morfa area, where the fatal attack took place. Roberts was later seen returning home alone before going back to the scene, where it is believed he attempted to clean up evidence.

Roberts appeared at Mold Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to murder. Earlier today he was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 22 and a half years.

Senior investigating officer T/Detective Superintendent Andrew Gibson said the case had been deeply distressing for all involved, praising the work of specialist teams in piecing together the events leading up to Angela’s death.

He also paid tribute to Angela’s family, acknowledging both their loss and the impact of the case, describing Angela as showing “tremendous bravery” during the ordeal.

In a moving statement, Angela’s sister Sarah Gunther described her as a devoted mother, a loving sister, and a person who brought warmth and kindness to those around her.

She said Angela’s love for her children was “unbreakable” and that her loss has left a space that can never be filled, adding that her memory will live on through the lives she touched.

Police also thanked the local community in Prestatyn for their support during the investigation, particularly as large areas of the Morfa were cordoned off for several days.

The case has left a lasting impact on the community, with today’s sentencing marking the conclusion of a tragic and deeply upsetting chapter.