Killer who hid dismembered body in concrete-filled barrel for six years is jailed

Killer who hid dismembered body in concrete-filled barrel for six years is jailed Ex-butcher Christopher Wright, 73, shot 55-year-old Richard Dyson before dismembering him and hiding his body in a barrel filled with concrete A man who shot his lodger and hid his body in a barrel filled with concrete has been jailed for life, with a minimum term of 35 years. Christopher Wright, 73, was convicted of murdering and dismembering 55-year-old Richard Dyson following a six-year cover-up. Mr Dyson, who disappeared in November 2019, had been living on land owned by Wright, an ex-butcher, in Barnsley when his daughter reported him missing, a court previously heard. Police found his severed remains six years later inside a barrel filled with concrete which had been left in a trailer on a nearby farm. Wright's childhood friend, Karl Schwalbe, 72, was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice after helping Wright conceal the crime. He was jailed for three years for perverting the course of justice. The trial at Sheffield Crown Court previously heard how Wright had phoned the owner of nearby Alderthwaite Farm three days after Dyson was last known to be alive. A written diary entry kept by the farm’s owner confirmed Wright had asked to leave a trailer at the farm for a few days. He never returned to collect it. When police attended Alderthwaite Farm in July 2025, they discovered a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete hiding human remains. Forensic experts were able to confirm the DNA as matching Richard Dyson’s. A name badge bearing Wright’s name was also found in the trailer. Investigators searched through Wright's extensive firearms collection, finding a match to the weapon and ammunition that killed Mr Dyson. The jury was also shown covertly recorded conversations between Wright and his childhood friend Schwalbe that showed Schwalbe had assisted in covering up the crimes. Wright was convicted of murder, preventing a lawful burial, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and six firearms offences. Schwalbe was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Jamie Barton, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “For six years, Richard Dyson’s loved ones were left without any answers about what had happened to him. “Despite Christopher Wright’s persistent attempts to thwart police investigations and cover up his crimes, we were able to work with South Yorkshire Police to gather evidence and present it in court to expose his guilt. “Wright brutally murdered Richard Dyson, and then enlisted his lifelong friend to help cover his tracks. Schwalbe may not have pulled the trigger, but his lies and actions were part of a deliberate attempt to stop justice ever being delivered. “This was a complex case, which relied on a combination of phone records, CCTV, forensic science, firearms evidence and covert recordings to prove to the jury what Wright and Schwalbe had tried so hard to conceal. “The CPS worked closely with police to bring that evidence together and show the jury how events before and after Mr Dyson’s disappearance fitted together. “I am pleased that both men have finally been held accountable for their roles in Richard Dyson’s death and the years-long cover-up that followed. Our thoughts remain with Mr Dyson’s family.” Speaking after the pair were convicted, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles said: “Richard’s family and loved ones have endured an unimaginable wait for answers and clarity and my thoughts remain with them. No one deserves to lose their lives at the hands of someone else, and the impact of this tragedy has been felt by those who loved him every single day. “Throughout this long investigation, Bethany and Richard’s wider family have shown extraordinary strength by attending court every day and listening to heartbreaking evidence, testimonies and defence. “No verdict can erase what they have been through, but I hope it brings them a measure of clarity and the first steps towards healing. They have carried a burden no family should ever have to bear. “Today, we remember Richard.” This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link. You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage.