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Tributes have been paid to 17-year-old Tristan Shae Kerr, whose passing last week has “touched an entire community”.

A murder investigation was launched following Tristan’s death in Abertridwr on Thursday February 5.

Five arrests were made, with four people charged with murder.

Connor Palfrey, 24, of Aberfawr Terrace, Abertridwr; Georgie Mears, 18, of Cardiff; Ricardo Elliot, 26, from London; and Elexi Manny, 24, of Commercial Street, Senghenydd, were all remanded in custody when they appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

At a hearing at Newport Crown Court today, Tuesday February 10, it was revealed Tristan had been stabbed with a ‘zombie knife’ measuring nine to ten inches in length (23-25cm), with all four defendants present at the property in Lower Francis Street where the teenager was killed.

Appearing in court via video link, no applications for bail were made for Palfrey, Manny or Mears, while a bail application for Elliot was denied. No pleas were entered.

They will next appear in court in March, with a provisional trial date set for August.

‘Their hero and their protector’

An event was held in Abertridwr on Monday, where he was commemorated with fireworks and a balloon release.

An online fundraiser in his memory had also raised more than £6,000 at the time of publication.

In a tribute released through Gwent Police, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend” and a “well-known and cherished character in his community”.

The tribute read: “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.”

The tribute continued: “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.”

‘Your memory will live on’

Tristan was also described as “mischievious, always finding a way to make people laugh and lifting spirits even on difficult days”

The tribute continued: “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.

“We will love you for a lifetime. It’s not goodbye, it’s until we meet. RIP our darling boy, forever 17.”

‘You are missed, and you will not be forgotten’

Paying tribute to Tristan, Aber Valley councillor Charlotte Bishop said: “Tristan deserves kindness and respect. He mattered. He was part of this community, and his family and friends continue to grieve him every day.

“Tristan had a cheeky sense of humour that always found a way to shine through, and he showed respect to those who treated him with respect. He had so much promise, and many of us were looking forward to seeing him grow into that potential and become the person he was meant to be.”

Cllr Bishop, who leads the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly Council, continued: “His life was worth more than the moment that stole him away. A young life – not even 18 – should have never ended this way. The pain left behind reaches far beyond one moment and one family, touching an entire community.

“This is why we cannot stay silent. Knives can lead to tragedies and leave heartbreak that lasts a lifetime. We owe it to Tristan, and to every young person, to face this issue with honesty, care, and determination.”

Cllr Bishop added: “We remember Tristan with love. We hold his family and friends in our hearts. And we grieve not only the life lost, but the future that should have been.

“Rest in peace, Tristan. You are missed, and you will not be forgotten.”

Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell, Senedd Member for South Wales East, said: “An entire community is grieving the loss of a young life.

“I thank the authorities for the work they’re doing, and I hope and trust that support will continue to be made available to anyone in the community who needs it in the coming days and weeks.

“Our thoughts are with the community in Abertridwr at this tragic time.”

‘Avoid speculation’

Gwent Police Detective Chief Inspector Jitka Tomkova-Griffiths, the senior investigating officer, said the force “remains focused on bringing anyone found to be responsible to justice”.

She said: “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.”

Anyone with information can contact Gwent Police on 101, or through its website, or direct message on social media – quoting log reference 2600038325.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously.