Murder Conviction
Christopher Wright, 73, has been found guilty of murdering his former lodger, Richard Dyson, following a trial at Sheffield Crown Court. Wright was also convicted of firearms offences and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. His associate, Karl Schwalbe, 72, of Rotherham, was convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.
Dyson, 55, was reported missing by his daughter Bethany in November 2019. His remains were discovered in July 2025 at Alderthwaite Farm in Barnsley, hidden in a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete.
Evidence and Investigation
The court heard that Wright contacted the farm owner three days after Dyson was last seen alive, requesting to store a trailer. A handwritten diary entry confirmed this, and when officers visited the farm in July 2025, they found the barrel containing human remains. A name badge with Wright's name was also in the trailer. Forensic DNA analysis confirmed the remains were Dyson's.
Investigations revealed Wright's mobile phone records showed contact with the farm owner, and his bank card records showed purchases of materials from a local building supplies shop between Dyson's disappearance and Wright's trip to the farm. Wright's firearms licence had been revoked in 2016, but he still possessed weapons that matched the type used to kill Dyson. CCTV footage captured Schwalbe visiting Wright's home shortly after the killing.
Statements from Officials
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."
Barton added that the case relied on phone records, CCTV, forensic science, firearms evidence and covert recordings to prove to the jury what Wright and Schwalbe had concealed. He said he was pleased both men were held accountable and offered thoughts to Dyson's family.
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."
