Alright, folks, let’s dive into one of the biggest mysteries surrounding CBS' hit series Tracker. It’s a story that’s got everyone on the edge of their seats, especially when it comes to the tragic death of Ashton Shaw, the father of Colter Shaw, played by the talented Justin Hartley. From the very first episode, it’s clear that Ashton’s death left an indelible mark on his youngest son, who’s been tirelessly searching for answers about who killed his father.
The Night Ashton Shaw Met His End
Let’s rewind to season one of Tracker, where we learn about the fateful night Ashton got into a heated argument with his kids at home. Their mom was out that evening, and things escalated quickly. Ashton, overwhelmed by paranoia, stormed out of the house. Following close behind was Colter’s older brother, Russell Shaw, played by the legendary Jensen Ackles, trying to chase after him.
Colter eventually ventured out into the stormy night to search for his father and brother. What he found was heartbreaking—his father lying lifeless at the bottom of a cliff, while Russell stood drenched in the rain above, watching silently. From that moment, Colter believed Russell was responsible for their father’s death. But the truth? Well, it’s not so simple.
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Colter later revealed that Russell had tried to reach out to him, but their mother, Mary Shaw, urged him to ignore those calls. “I need you to trust me,” she told her son. “Block that number. Ignore him. For everyone’s sake, leave it be.” It’s a tense moment that leaves viewers questioning Mary’s motives.
Russell Shaw: The Brother Who Proclaims Innocence
When viewers meet adult Russell in season one, he’s a man with a mission of his own. He asks Colter for help in tracking down a missing Army friend, but he also denies any involvement in Ashton’s death. Russell insists that someone else must have been in the woods that night, hinting at a broader conspiracy.
Their sister, Dory, played by Melissa Roxburgh, also steps into the picture. She’s determined to mend family ties, firmly believing in Russell’s innocence. Dory suspects their mother knows more than she’s letting on about Ashton’s death. She mentions how both their parents were professors before embracing a survivalist lifestyle in the woods. Ashton even worked for the U.S. government, raising questions about whether his job might have led to his demise.
Dory seems less obsessed with uncovering the truth compared to Colter, but she still yearns for closure. As Melissa Roxburgh explained to TVLine in May 2024, “There’s definitely a part of her that needs to know the truth just as much, but she knows pulling that thread could unravel everything. Deep down, she hopes everyone can move on, but she realizes it’s more complicated than that.”
Could Mary Shaw Be Hiding Something?
As fans theorize online, suspicions about Mary Shaw’s possible involvement in Ashton’s death continue to grow. In the season one finale, Colter helps his childhood friend Lizzy Hawking find her missing daughter. During this episode, Lizzy drops a bombshell, revealing that her mom had an affair with Colter’s dad. Ashton visited their house shortly before his death to deliver a mysterious box. This revelation raises questions about Mary’s fidelity and her potential knowledge of the contents of that box.
Fan Theories: Who Killed Ashton Shaw?
Viewers are buzzing with theories about Ashton Shaw’s death. Some believe his government work attracted dangerous enemies, while others suspect Mary might be in league with these adversaries.
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“I think the mother worked with the men who killed his father,” one Reddit user speculated. “His dad had government secrets and was being hunted. He was getting in the way of her plans, so she lured him out to the cabin to kill him. She told Russell to run so he wouldn’t expose her secret.”
“My theory is that the mom pushed him,” another Reddit user suggested.
Another potential suspect could be Lizzy’s father. If he discovered the affair, killing Ashton might have been an act of vengeance. But for now, Mary remains the prime suspect.
“Mom manipulated Russell to take the blame for dad’s death and forced him to work with the mercenaries she was involved with as a contract killer,” another Reddit user theorized.
