Dylan Thomas, a quiet 24-year-old heir to one of Wales' richest business dynasties, has been found guilty of killing his best friend, William Bush, in a savage attack on Christmas Eve. The brutal stabbing, described as “prepared and deliberate”, shocked both the local community and a family whose history had been defined by success and privilege.
The unprovoked attack took place at Thomas' £425,000 home in Cardiff, where he fatally attacked Bush, 23, with two knives, inflicting 21 wounds to his neck, including severing his jugular vein . Moments before the attack, Thomas had researched neck anatomy online, allegedly planning the murder.
The jury at Cardiff Crown Court rejected Thomas' plea of diminished responsibility, although his defense highlighted a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a psychotic episode in the months before the attack. His family, including his grandfather Sir Stanley Thomas—a self-made millionaire knighted for his contributions to business—watched the trial in disbelief.
A friendship torn apart
Thomas and Bush had been close since their school days at the prestigious Christ College Brecon. Despite their contrasting personalities—Thomas being an introvert and Bush an extrovert—the two shared vacations, a home, and even mutual care for Thomas' dog, Bruce. But cracks began to appear as Bush prepared to move in with his girlfriend, a development Thomas apparently took badly.
In the weeks before the killing, Bush expressed concerns about Thomas' erratic behavior. From hallucinations about witches and the Illuminati to an arrest at Buckingham Palace for climbing its fence, Thomas showed clear signs of a mental health crisis. Bush, described by his girlfriend as “kind, caring and loyal,” had considered moving but stayed out of compassion for his struggling friend.
The Consequences
After the murder, Thomas fled the house covered in blood, claiming it was self-defense. His grandmother attempted to perform CPR on Bush but was unable to save him. During police interrogations, Thomas' statements alternated between denial and paranoia, further illustrating his crumbling mental state.
Prosecutors argued the attack was motivated by Thomas's feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, particularly as Bush's life was on the upswing. In contrast, Thomas—despite his privileged upbringing—struggled to find his way, dropping out of college and failing to launch his technology projects.
Psychosis or Premeditation?
Although forensic psychiatrist Dr. Panchu Xavier testified about Thomas' psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions, the jury concluded that he was conscious of his actions. The defense described missed opportunities to intervene before the tragedy occurred, including his release on bail after the Buckingham Palace incident.
For William Bush's family, the loss remains incomprehensible. His brother described him as loyal and selfless, qualities that likely made him stay when others might have left.
Dylan Thomas now awaits sentencing, marking the dark end of a friendship that was once his lifeline.
