Twenty years after his son, Cambridge-educated lawyer Tom ap Rhys Pryce, was murdered in a street robbery, his father John ap Rhys Pryce is contemplating an act that many would find unthinkable: meeting with one of his son's killers. Tom, 31, was fatally stabbed in London in January 2006 by teenagers Donnel Carty and Delano Brown, who were seeking cash and valuables. The perpetrators made off with £20, an Oyster card, and a mobile phone, leaving behind Tom's blood-stained wedding vows intended for his fiancée, Adele Eastman.
Mr. Pryce, speaking twenty years after the event, stated that his primary emotion is sadness, not hatred. "If you hold that anger in you, it doesn't do you any good, really," he said. "My main emotion I suppose is sadness – sadness for Tom. Sadness for them - they've wasted 20 years of their lives."
Carty was sentenced to life with a minimum of 21 years, and Brown received a 20-year sentence for Tom's murder. In a recent development, Brown was recommended for transfer to an open prison. Mr. Pryce, a former civil engineer, indicated that he is prepared to sit down with Brown, believing such a conversation could "clear the air."
When asked what he would say, Mr. Pryce suggested he would ask "Why?" and noted that his willingness to meet depends on what the individuals have done with their time in prison. "It depends on what they've done with themselves, whether they've used the time to learn, educate or get a trade," he commented.
Tom ap Rhys Pryce was returning home after a late night at his legal firm, Linklaters, when he encountered Carty and Brown, who were part of a group known as 'The Kensal Green Tribe' targeting commuters. Despite the firm's policy to pay for taxis for employees working late, Tom opted to take the Tube and walk the short distance to his flat. His family believes he may have fought back against his attackers, leading to the fatal escalation of violence. He died in hospital from two stab wounds to the chest.
Tom was described as an exceptionally bright and enthusiastic individual. He had won a scholarship to Marlborough College, excelled academically at Cambridge University, and was fluent in five languages. He played multiple musical instruments and had a wedding planned in Italy for September of the year he was murdered.
In the aftermath of Tom's death, John and his late wife Estella established The Tom ap Rhys Pryce Memorial Trust. The trust has invested £2.4 million in initiatives aimed at steering underprivileged young people away from gang culture and violent crime. The charity supports over 25 grassroots organizations across London, offering mentoring, youth clubs, sports, and employment opportunities. In 2009, they opened Tom’s Farm, which helps boys with behavioral and emotional difficulties learn empathy through working with animals.
Mr. Pryce plans to continue the trust's work for another five years, focusing on primary schoolchildren. He believes this endeavor ensures his son's life had meaning and keeps his memory alive, serving as a tribute to Tom's potential and a way to help other young people avoid a similar fate. "If we can help disadvantaged children to achieve their potential and to lead rewarding lives, that will be a fitting legacy for Tom," he said.
Tom's fiancée, Adele Eastman, has since remarried and is now a senior counsel at Farrer & Co. John ap Rhys Pryce continues his work with the trust, supported by his son Michael.
