Farmer killed father over fears he would lose family farm, inquest hears
Farmer Charles Wright, 52, killed his 82-year-old father, Brian, after an argument about the future of their family farm near Newark, an inquest heard. The coroner concluded Brian was unlawfully killed and Charles died by suicide; she said the events had deeply affected the surviving family.
A voice note sent to police said Charles feared his father planned to give another family member the lion’s share of the farm. The inquest heard Brian had criticised his son’s farming ability during a row, and his body was later found in a shallow grave on the land; he died from pressure to the neck. Charles also drove at his brother and a friend, injuring them, before his body was found in an outbuilding.
In short
- An inquest found Brian Wright was unlawfully killed.
- His son feared being cut out of the family farm.
- Charles Wright died by suicide after injuring his brother.
Explained simply
Family farms are often passed between generations, with decisions about ownership and inheritance affecting both the business and family relationships. Disagreements can arise over who will take over or receive a share of the land.
An inquest is a court hearing that examines how someone died, especially when the death may have been violent or otherwise unexplained. A coroner considers evidence and reaches formal conclusions about the deaths; an inquest does not decide criminal guilt.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Farmer strangled churchwarden father, 82, because he feared he was going to give away the farm to someone else, inquest hears”.