The ITV2 documentary series Social Media Murders explores some of the UK’s most disturbing killings linked to online platforms – cases where private messages, secret accounts and digital interactions spilled into real-world violence. One of the most harrowing episodes revisits the murder of 15-year-old Alex Rodda, who was killed in December 2019 by Matthew Mason, then 18, a man he met online and began a relationship with.
The programme examines how what began as contact via social media escalated into coercion, secrecy and ultimately a fatal act of violence, raising wider questions about safeguarding, exploitation and the risks young people face online.
It airs at a time when the UK government is discussing whether or not banning those under the age of 16 from social media, a move recently announced in Australia, would be a positive step for the nation.
Here is what we know about Matthew Mason, the murder of Alex Rodda, and where Mason is now.
What happened to Alex Rodda?
Alex Rodda was a 15-year-old schoolboy from Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, described by his family as "caring and trusting". In the weeks leading up to his death, Alex had been communicating online with Matthew Mason, who was 18 at the time and also living locally.
Court proceedings later heard that the pair exchanged messages and explicit images via social media. Prosecutors said the relationship became secretive, with Mason attempting to conceal it from others in his life. Evidence showed Mason had transferred more than £2,000 to Rodda shortly before the murder.
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On the evening of 11 December 2019, Mason arranged to meet Rodda. He collected him in his car and drove to a remote area of woodland near Ashley, Cheshire. There, Mason attacked Rodda with a metal wrench, striking him repeatedly.
The teenager’s body was discovered the following morning by refuse collectors. He was partially clothed and had suffered multiple fatal injuries. Mason was arrested later that day.
In a statement, the family said: "Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and most of all, trusting young boy. "He loved life and made friends wherever he went. He will be sorely missed."
His mother, Lisa, told The Mirror, that she was heartbroken over the loss.
Who is Matthew Mason?
Matthew Mason was 18 years old at the time of the killing. During his trial, Mason admitted attacking Alex but denied murder, claiming he had “lost control” after being blackmailed.
The prosecution rejected this account, arguing that the killing was deliberate and involved sustained violence. The jury agreed.
In January 2021, at Chester Crown Court, Matthew Mason was found guilty of murder. The judge described the attack as brutal and said Mason had shown a complete lack of empathy for his victim.
Mason was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years, meaning he must serve at least that amount of time before being eligible to apply for parole.
Where is Matthew Mason now?
Matthew Mason remains in prison serving his life sentence.
Under the terms of his sentencing, Mason will not be eligible for parole consideration until the late 2040s, and any release would be subject to strict review by the Parole Board. There is no indication his conviction has been overturned or that his sentence has been reduced.
According to a BBC report, Rodda’s mother, Lisa, told Chester Crown Court that when she returned home to find Mason with her son, her “whole body felt fear”.
Describing returning to the house and being introduced to Mason, she said, "His eyes were soulless. He was cold and soulless. He already had that motive in his mind.
“I said to Alex 'stay away from that man'. I felt it, what he was going to do to my boy, I felt it."
