A fan of the television series Dexter has been accused of murdering two men, dismembering their bodies, attempting to burn their remains, and hiding them in a woodland in Cornwall, England, before stealing their money. James Desborough, 40, is currently on trial at a UK court, charged with the murders of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, in 2025.
Background of the accused and victims
The court heard on Wednesday that Desborough had lived with both victims at Sandy Lodge, a shelter for homeless individuals and those struggling with addiction. The prosecution alleged that Desborough killed the men, then dismembered and attempted to destroy their bodies. Police discovered approximately 1,900 burnt bone fragments believed to be from Aquilino's body in Paramoor Woods, where Desborough resided in a cabin. Coleman's body parts, including his legs, torso, and feet, were found in a shallow grave nearby.
Prosecution's key evidence
The prosecution stated: “James Desborough killed them. He dismembered their bodies, he attempted to burn their bodies, their remains and conceal what he had done.” A fellow resident of Sandy Lodge informed police that Desborough had told him he “particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes” in the crime series Dexter. The show follows a police forensic technician who leads a double life, committing murders and disposing of bodies.
“That is a series which involves scenes of dismemberment and disposal of bodies,” the prosecution told the court. “There are many, many people who are fans of the television programme Dexter but, on the behalf of the prosecution, when you consider that comment by Mr Desborough together with the fact that two dismembered bodies were found on his land, that the comment takes on particular significance.”
Financial motive alleged
The prosecution also accused Desborough of stealing from his victims after their deaths. “After each of them disappeared, their bank accounts were accessed and their money was spent by James Desborough,” the prosecutor said. Desborough denies all charges, and the trial continues.
