Forensics Student Accused of 'Copycat' Murder in Elaborate 'Kill Room'

A forensics student obsessed with the American crime drama Dexter allegedly stabbed a sex worker 78 times and began dismembering her body in a meticulously prepared "kill room" within an Airbnb, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told. Benjamin Day, 20, was arrested after calling for medical assistance for a hand injury sustained during the alleged dismemberment.

The prosecution stated that Day had prepared the rented property in Tividale, West Midlands, as a "tribute" to the series, which features a forensic technician who is also a vigilante serial killer. Opening the case, prosecutor Rachel Brand KC informed the jury that Day lured Maria Saceanu to the Airbnb with the intention of disposing of her body after killing her. Day denies murder and is expected to claim self-defense.

Brand told the court that Day had "planned this murder in some detail" and "planned to dispose of her body without leaving signs of what had happened," but "it all went wrong and he was caught." The prosecution alleged that Day's actions were those of a "copycat, imitating the things he had seen in that programme."

Evidence presented suggests Day contacted Ms. Saceanu shortly after 9:30 p.m. on December 20 last year. She arrived at the Airbnb around 10:20 p.m., where Day had reportedly been preparing the scene since 5:30 p.m. The prosecution believes Ms. Saceanu was killed shortly after her arrival. Day then allegedly attempted to dismember her body, injuring himself in the process, before leaving the property and discarding a burner phone. He called 999 at 12:50 a.m., reporting an injury sustained from a fox or dog, and was taken to Russells Hall Hospital.

While at the hospital, Day messaged the Airbnb landlord to inquire about extending his stay. Meanwhile, another resident at the Airbnb noticed a blood trail, alerting the landlord who then contacted the police. Officers discovered Ms. Saceanu's body, and Day was arrested at the hospital at 3:42 a.m.

Day's defense is expected to argue that the room was staged as a "tribute video" for TikTok. According to this account, Ms. Saceanu became frightened upon seeing the staged room, grabbed a knife, and attacked him, leading to his hand injury. He claims to have then disarmed her and acted in self-defense by stabbing her.

A Home Office pathologist indicated that Ms. Saceanu likely died from wounds to her neck, with injuries to her hands consistent with defensive actions. The prosecution presented a "shopping list" found on Day's phone from November 18, detailing items purchased for the killing, including knives, scissors, a mask, apron, gloves, plastic sheeting, duct tape, a staple gun, and heavy-duty bin bags. These items were reportedly found at the scene.

Similarities between the crime and the TV series "Dexter" were highlighted by the prosecution. Dexter Morgan is a forensic scientist who secretly operates as a serial killer, known for covering his tracks and preparing "kill rooms" lined with plastic sheeting. Day, who transferred his university course to applied biology and forensics, was arrested wearing a khaki T-shirt, similar to the character's attire. Items like an apron, plastic visor, gloves, a canvas roll of knives, and attempts at dismemberment, along with microscope slides possibly kept as "trophies," were noted as parallels.

Day had no prior police record and had previously studied journalism before switching to forensics. The trial is ongoing.