← Back to England casesBlake and Tristan Murdered by Sarah Barrass and Brandon Machin, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Case Summary
Sarah Barrass and her half-brother Brandon Machin, who were in an incestuous relationship, murdered two of their sons, Blake and Tristan, and attempted to kill other children in their household in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The couple had a history of child abuse, neglect, and manipulation, with the children suffering from behavioral and developmental issues likely linked to their incestuous conception. Despite multiple reports and social services involvement, the abuse was not prevented. The murders were premeditated, involving drug overdoses and strangulation. Both perpetrators pleaded guilty and received life sentences with a minimum of 35 years.
Basic Information
Country: England
State/Province: None
City/Region: Sheffield
Incident Type: Murder
Relationship Status: None
Relationship Duration: Approximately 5 years
Incident Date: May 24, 2019
Incident Sequence and Additional Victims
Primary reported outcome: Homicide
Reported self-harm outcome: No suicide or attempt reported
Reported sequence: Order not reported / unclear
Additional victims reported: 4
Additional victim events:
- Unnamed person — Family or household member; Attempted harm; survived; Same episode; order unclear
Relationship Journey
Relationship Origins:
- Childhood connection
Relationship Stages:
- Living Together without Marriage
- Long Distance Same Country
Analysis
Contributing Factors:
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Domestic Violence Allegation
- Domestic Conflict
- Mental instability
- Divorce / Separation
Red Flags:
- False accusations of infidelity
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
- High-Conflict Household
Motives:
- Revenge
- Avoid divorce settlement
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Fear of exposure
Relationship Outcomes:
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
People Link Graph
Relationship Journey Graph
Origin
- Childhood connection
How the relationship or connection began.
Status
Approximately 5 years
Stages
- Living Together without Marriage
- Long Distance Same Country
Important relationship phases recorded for this case.
Warning Signals
- False accusations of infidelity
- Escalation Pattern / Violence
- Secret affair
- Manipulative behavior
- Threats
- Suicidal Ideation
- Divorce Pending / Recent Separation
- High-Conflict Household
Reported red flags or early concern points.
Pressure Points
- Cheating / Infidelity
- Domestic Violence Allegation
- Domestic Conflict
- Mental instability
- Divorce / Separation
- Revenge
- Avoid divorce settlement
- Jealousy
- Control/domination
- Fear of exposure
Contributing factors and possible motives from the available sources.
Incident
2019-05-24
Outcome
- Legal case ongoing
- Homicide during marriage
- Arrest made
- Investigation still ongoing
- Deadbody recovery
Recorded relationship or case outcome.
Sources
English labels are shown first. Original-language titles are preserved for source verification.
Blake and Tristan Murdered by Sarah Barrass and Brandon Machin, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Emma Kenny - England · Original language: English
View original title
INCEST PARENTS murder Teen sons to hide their DARK SECRET
AI Intelligence Assessment
Relationship Pattern
Domestic Violence
Pattern Analysis
The case involves a deeply dysfunctional incestuous relationship marked by child abuse, neglect, and escalating violence. The perpetrators exhibited sadistic behaviors and manipulative tactics to conceal their relationship and abuse, culminating in premeditated filicide to avoid social services intervention.
Investigative Notes
Police arrested Sarah Barrass and Brandon Machin following a tip-off from a friend after Sarah sent texts indicating harm to the children. Evidence included digital searches on killing children, text messages planning the murders, and physical evidence from the crime scene. Both pleaded guilty and received life sentences with a minimum of 35 years. Psychological assessments found them fit to stand trial. Social services had prior involvement but failed to prevent the tragedy.
Investigation Confusion
Initial police were unaware of the dead children in the house due to Sarah's deception. Sarah attempted to blame Brandon for the murders. The incestuous relationship was revealed during the investigation and trial, which complicated the case dynamics.
Case Reconstruction / Puzzle Pieces
Sarah and Brandon, half-siblings in an incestuous relationship, had four children together. The children suffered from behavioral and developmental issues. Despite social services involvement, abuse and neglect continued. In May 2019, after failed attempts to poison the children, Sarah and Brandon strangled two sons, Blake and Tristan, and attempted to kill others. Sarah tried to deflect blame onto Brandon. Police intervened after a friend received a distressing text. The children were taken to hospital but the two boys died. Both parents were arrested, confessed, and were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Risk Assessment
High risk due to history of abuse, manipulation, and escalating violence with prior reports ignored by social services, leading to fatal outcomes.
Key Takeaways
Early animal cruelty and sadistic behavior can be indicators of future violence. Social services' failure to act on multiple reports contributed to the tragedy. Incestuous relationships can complicate family dynamics and conceal abuse. Digital evidence such as search histories and text messages can be critical in proving premeditation.
AI Case Q&A
What early signals mattered most?
Animal cruelty, escalating violence between siblings, reports of sexual abuse, and social services involvement were early signals.
Which clues helped connect the case?
Text messages planning the murders, digital searches on killing children, and witness reports of abuse helped connect the case.
Which evidence types appeared strongest?
Digital evidence from phones, physical evidence from the crime scene, witness statements, and confessions were strongest.
Witness / Eyewitness Statements
Martin witnessed abuse; surviving children indicated knowledge of murders; family friends and social workers provided observations. Not reported any direct eyewitness to the murders.
How did follow-up reports change the understanding?
The incestuous relationship was revealed during investigation and trial, changing the understanding of family dynamics and motives.
What remained unclear?
Exact details of the two younger children's experiences during the incident remain unclear.