GTA Theory Explained: Trevor Phillips Killed His Mom

Trevor Phillips is perhaps one of the most deranged and unpredictable protagonists in Grand Theft Auto 5. The criminal performs a variety of illegal acts that his even his accomplices are surprised by, such as the torture scene Grand Theft Auto 5 that was difficult to watch in the mission ‘By the Book.’ But one GTA theory suggests that Trevor may be even more unhinged than one would initially assume.

In a ‘Stranger and Freaks’ mission, which can’t be replayed once it’s completed, Trevor’s mother makes a surprise appearance at his trailer. Trevor is taken aback by her presence when he sees her. He begins breaking down, apologizing and groveling at his mother’s feet, which is out of character for the usually tough-as-nails Grand Theft Auto 5 character. It’s implied throughout the game that Mrs. Phillips was emotionally abusive and neglectful of her son, so it’s unsurprising when she begins verbally berating him for his lifestyle and lack of accomplishments.

When Trevor asks what he can do to make things right, his mother responds by telling him to rob a van filled with a drug called Deludamol. It’s mentioned that Mrs. Phillips was just released from prison, and though it’s unclear what she served time for, this scene may imply she had an ongoing drug addiction. Regardless, Trevor obliges and sets off to get her medication. However, when he returns to the trailer, his mother is nowhere to be found. This begs the question of whether she was a figment of his imagination or simply ran off before he could return.

There’s Evidence To Suggest Trevor Killed His Mom

Trevor has been shown to have no qualms killing people for his personal gain, so if someone has done him wrong, he’d likely have even fewer issues taking out his revenge. Given that it’s heavily implied his mother was abusive, it’s not out of the ballpark to assume he may have snapped one day, killing her in a fit of rage. The YouTube channel Mr. Boss FTW suggests that the fact Trevor was so spooked and became apologetic when he saw his mom lends credence to the theory. He may have killed his mom years before the events of GTA 5, and he occasionally hallucinates her presence out of guilt. That would explain why he was so quick to ask what he could do to make things right. It’s mentioned they didn’t have any contact when she was behind bars, so it would make more sense for him to be angry or cold towards his mom, not express immediate guilt.

Of course, while it’s completely possible his mother was a figment of his imagination and that Trevor possibly hurt her in some way, it’s also just as likely that she simply ran off. There’s no solid evidence to suggest that Mrs. Phillips is, in fact, dead. Trevor mentions in the game that she had a history of abandoning him and then coming back, only to do it over again. So, it doesn’t sound out of character for his mother if she was to simply leave. Then again, considering she was expecting a large quantity of Deludamol, it would make more sense for her to dip after Trevor brings her the medication. This seems to suggest, again, that Trevor may have been hallucinating her. While this could be brought on by drugs, it could also be a symptom of his guilt.

Unfortunately, since Grand Theft Auto 5never satisfactorily addresses what happens to Trevor’s mom after her single appearance, it’s left up to players to decide for themselves whether Mrs. Phillips was real or not.

Source: Mr. Boss FTW/YouTube

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