Teen Murderers Post Prison Reunion Photo with 'Back Together' Caption
Two of the four teenagers convicted for the brutal murder of best friends Max Dixon and Mason Rist have sparked outrage by bragging about their reunion in prison on social media. Riley Tolliver and Kodi Wescott, both from Bristol, were inadvertently placed together in the same young offenders' institute by prison authorities, leading to a Snapchat post that has horrified the victims' families.
Social Media Post Prompts Family Complaint
The photo, shared on Snapchat over the New Year period, featured Tolliver and Wescott with a caption reading 'man dem together 3 ygb 3 young tuggz', which alludes to Wescott's rap alias. This post reached the family of Mason Rist, who immediately lodged a formal complaint with prison authorities. Mason's sister, Chloe, expressed her disgust that Wescott was still able to flaunt his presence on social media platforms despite being incarcerated for such a serious crime.
Chloe also revealed to Bristol Live that one of the two younger murderers, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attempted to add her as a friend on social media just after Christmas. "They have all been active on social media, saying the gang's back together, and so on," she said. "You would think the prison would know better than to put them together - it's crazy."
Prison Authorities Respond to Separation Concerns
Following the report of the social media posts, prison liaison officers informed Mason's family that action had been taken to separate the co-defendants. "We can confirm that none of the co-defendants are currently in the same establishment," they stated. "Following the reported social media posts, action was taken to move some of the offenders."
The authorities acknowledged that while it is not always possible to keep co-defendants in separate establishments, steps can be taken to ensure prisoners are separated where there is an assessed risk. They added that the matter had been escalated and the information shared with the relevant establishment for appropriate action.
Ongoing Issues with Social Media Access in Prison
This incident is not the first time Wescott has caused distress through social media activity from within prison. Last year, Bristol Live disclosed that he was able to produce drill music rap videos from his cell about the murders he committed and share them on Instagram. This sparked significant outrage from the families of his victims, which was exacerbated when he taunted authorities by creating a second Instagram account after prison chiefs closed down his first one.
Mason's mum, Nikki, expressed her fury that Wescott continues to have access to phones and social media. "I've just found out Kodi Westcott has been on his phone again in prison. It should have been taken off him," she said. "He has posted a picture on his Instagram and Snapchat account. The probation service said it had come from within the prison."
Nikki questioned how Wescott could have a phone during visits to take pictures with his girlfriend and post them online. "He is not monitored with his visits. How can he have a phone during a visit to take a picture of him with his girlfriend and post it on Snapchat?" she asked. "All we are told is that it will be a black mark against him when he is up for release in 20 years' time. It is disgusting."
Families Demand Accountability and Action
Nikki further emphasised the emotional toll this ongoing issue has on the victims' families. "That picture would not have been in a cell as relatives don't visit there. Why is he getting away with all of this? Why isn't he being monitored? He just doesn't care," she said. "They may talk about his human rights, but what about my human rights?"
She criticised the prison's response, noting that authorities often only become aware of such incidents after families report them. "They are not even aware of it until we report it. It is the second time it has happened. All they will do is a simple cell search - but they are not going to find anything," she added. "He is making a mockery of what he did. He has committed murder but just doesn't care. He needs all his social media to be shut down and blocked."
Bristol Live has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment on the ongoing presence of the teenage murderers on social media and is awaiting a response. The case highlights broader concerns about social media access in prisons and the impact on victims' families seeking justice and closure.
