Killer who chopped up victim's body and hid it in barrel for six years set to discover his fate
The killer will discover the minimum number of years he must spend behind bars
A trained butcher who murdered his lodger and hid the body for his years is to discover his fate this week.
Christopher Wright, aged 73, killed Richard Dyson in November 2019.
Richard, who was 55, was reported missing when he failed to meet his daughter as planned. But for six years, his disappearance remained a mystery.
It was finally solved when his “neatly severed” remains were found inside a barrel filled with concrete on a trailer on farmland close to his killer’s home in July 2025.
He had been shot before his remains were concealed.
The court heard Wright formerly worked as a butcher.
Wright was recently convicted of murder and his best friend, Karl Schwalbe, 72 was found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice for helping his killer pal conceal the crime.
The childhood friends covered up their actions for six years and continued to deny any involvement in Richard’s death when they went on trial together at Sheffield Crown Court.
But after being found guilty, the judge in the case, Mr Justice Cotter, told Wright that there is only one sentence he can pass, and that is “one of life imprisonment.”
The minimum term will be fixed during a sentencing hearing this week.
He told Schwalbe, Dike Hill, Harley, that a custodial sentence was also “inevitable”.
Speaking after the guilty verdicts were returned, 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.
“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.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, of South Yorkshire Police, 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.”