Who Is Christopher Wright? In November 2019, a tragic event occurred in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England, where Richard Dyson, a 55-year-old handyman and lodger, was allegedly murdered by farmer Christopher Wright. Â Investigators claim that Wright killed Dyson, cut him into pieces, and placed his remains in a barrel full of concrete that was hidden in a trailer. Dyson’s corpse was detected only in July 2025 due to a new police investigation. Christopher Wright is sentenced for murder and other crimes in 2026, while the second suspect is convicted for helping with the concealment of the crime.
What Exactly Happened in This Case?
Richard Dyson, a 55-year-old handyman, disappeared in November 2019 after living and working as a lodger on farmer Christopher Wright’s property in Hoyland, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire. According to prosecutors, Wright shot Dyson following a dispute, dismembered his body, and concealed the remains inside a blue plastic barrel filled with concrete, which was hidden in a livestock trailer. Dyson remained missing for nearly six years until South Yorkshire Police reopened the investigation in 2025. A forensic search led officers to the concealed barrel, and DNA testing confirmed the remains were those of Dyson. The evidence gathered during the investigation ultimately led to Wright’s murder conviction and the conviction of another man for helping conceal the crime.
Who Is Christopher Wright? His Age, Conviction, Allegations, Criminal History, Background & More
Christopher Wright is a 73-year-old farmer from Hoyland, South Yorkshire, who was convicted in 2026 for the murder of his lodger, Richard Dyson. Prosecutors alleged that Wright shot Dyson in November 2019 following a dispute, dismembered his body, and concealed the remains inside a concrete-filled barrel, where they were discovered nearly six years later. A jury found him guilty of murder, preventing a lawful burial, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and firearms offences, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment. There are no publicly known reports of significant prior criminal convictions, while little information has been disclosed about his family or personal life.
Who Was the Deceased?
The deceased was Richard Dyson, a father and handyman from Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He was reported missing in November 2019 after suddenly losing contact with his family, who launched repeated appeals for information about his whereabouts. Dyson had been living and working on Christopher Wright’s farm at the time of his disappearance. After nearly six years of uncertainty, investigators discovered his remains concealed inside a concrete-filled barrel during a renewed police investigation in 2025, finally providing answers to his loved ones and allowing criminal proceedings to move forward.
What Is the Current Situation of the Case?
The recent legal proceedings have resulted in the conviction of Christopher Wright for the murder of Richard Dyson, obstruction of a lawful burial, conspiracy to pervert justice and several gun-related crimes. Wright was sentenced to life, and his accomplice, Karl Schwalbe, received a prison sentence for helping him hide the crime. The South Yorkshire police described their investigations as lengthy and complicated processes based on forensic evidence, witness testimony and extensive detective work required to solve the nearly six-year-old case and bring justice to the Dyson family.
