A serial killer who styled himself on the television psychopath Dexter has been convicted of murdering and dismembering two men in a remote woodland cabin in Cornwall, England. James Desborough, 40, was found guilty at Winchester Crown Court of the murders of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, whose remains were hidden in undergrowth surrounding his shack between April and June of last year.
Desborough was also previously convicted of murdering his prison cellmate, 65-year-old Steven Kempster, whom he strangled at HMP Exeter in September while awaiting trial for the other murders. Authorities believe Kempster was killed because he was snoring too loudly.
Investigators uncovered approximately 1,900 burned bone fragments believed to be from Mr. Aquilino, while parts of Mr. Coleman's dismembered body were found in a shallow grave. Handwritten notes found in Desborough's shack included phrases like "I know I'm a killer, ready to kill and execute any predators." During police searches, Desborough reportedly mentioned to a forensic biologist that he "particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes" in the TV series Dexter.
Desborough, a former construction boss, had fallen into addiction and began living off-grid on land he purchased in Paramood Woods. He occasionally allowed people to camp on his land, including Mr. Coleman.
Evidence presented at trial indicated Desborough was involved in a love triangle with Mr. Coleman and his wife, Hannah Cresswell. Text messages revealed Desborough's "escalating anger" toward Mr. Coleman, including a message stating he was "absolutely bloodthirsty."
Mr. Aquilino had met Desborough at Sandy Lodge, a shelter for the homeless and drug-dependent, and reportedly contacted police the day before he was last seen, expressing terror and concern about Desborough. Mr. Coleman also contacted police cryptically on the last day he was seen, expressing concerns about Desborough.
During his trial, Desborough claimed he found both men already dead and had merely disposed of their remains. He attributed his actions to drug abuse and a loss of grip on reality. He was convicted of the murders of Mr. Aquilino and Mr. Coleman after just over three hours of deliberation by the jury.
Prior to the murders of Aquilino and Coleman, Desborough had a history that included running a construction company and periods of homelessness. Social media posts from 2024 showed him discussing his struggles with PTSD after being discharged from the military. His victims were described as having troubled lives marked by drug addiction and homelessness.