James Desborough, a 39-year-old fan of the television series Dexter, has been convicted of murdering his cellmate while awaiting trial for the murders and dismemberment of two other men, a court has heard. Desborough strangled 65-year-old Steven Kempster at HMP Exeter in September last year. He had been on remand accused of killing Daniel Coleman, 43, and Claudio Aquilino, 57.
Murder of cellmate Steven Kempster
Desborough pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder by a jury. The court heard that he killed Kempster while both were incarcerated at HMP Exeter. The victim was 65 years old and died from strangulation.
Background: murders of Coleman and Aquilino
Desborough is now on trial for two counts of murder relating to the deaths of Daniel Coleman and Claudio Aquilino. The three men met at a homeless residence in Newquay, Cornwall. After the alleged murders, Desborough dismembered their bodies in Paramoor Woods, near Sticker, Cornwall. He attempted to burn and bury their remains and stole their money, prosecutors said.
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC told the court that parts of Daniel Coleman's dismembered body, including his torso, legs and feet, were uncovered in a shallow grave. His DNA was found on an axe hanging from a nearby tree. Claudio Aquilino's shallow grave was located 18 metres away. Police found 1,900 burnt bone fragments belonging to Claudio at a nearby stream, as well as a piece of flesh and two pieces of unburnt scapula.
Connection to Dexter TV show
Mr Hossain KC said Desborough was a fan of the dark drama TV show Dexter, in which the main character is a serial killer who dismembers people. Desborough told a forensic biologist involved in the woodland searches that he “particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes” in the show. One of his notes read: “I know I’m a killer, ready to kill and execute any predators.”
Jurors also heard of another note that included plans to leave the UK, mentioning a “shuffle bag liner”, “bodies buried”, “new disguise”, “new burner phone”, and “safe house”.
Charges and plea
Desborough denies murdering Claudio between April 17 and July 7 last year and killing Daniel between June 2 and July 7 last year. He has pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of the two men’s bodies. The trial continues.
