A supporter of the popular TV series character Dexter, who is facing charges for the killings of two individuals whose dismembered remains were discovered in a wooded area, allegedly left behind a chilling note stating “I’m a killer.”
James Desborough, aged 40, self-identified as a killer and expressed willingness to take action against predators, as per court proceedings. It is reported that he also penned notes with titles such as “bug out list” and “hostiles.”
Desborough stands accused of the murders of Claudio Aquilino, aged 57, and Daniel Coleman, aged 43, in Cornwall last year. Both men had previously resided with Desborough at a shelter for the homeless in Newquay, with the last sightings of them being in the defendant’s company.
The victims’ bodies were dismembered and incinerated in a section of Sticker Woods where Desborough resided in a cabin. Law enforcement found approximately 1,900 charred bone fragments believed to belong to Mr. Aquilino in the woods.
Parts of Mr. Coleman’s dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were discovered in a shallow grave nearby. During a search of Desborough’s cabin following his arrest on suspicion of Mr. Coleman’s murder, the incriminating notes were uncovered.
The notes, written in a tidy script, described the world as a “flat game board” and detailed Desborough’s beliefs and experiences. They indicated a sense of repeating existence and readiness to carry out lethal actions against predators.
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC informed the court that among the numerous notes found was one instructing to “Take care of the remaining muppets,” with Mr. Coleman’s name included. Other notes implied detailed travel plans, intentions to depart the UK, and references to items like a “shuffle bag liner,” “new disguise,” and “safe house.”
The prosecution presented evidence of a drawn map showing concentric circles with Sticker Woods at the center, London and Benidorm marked at the outer edge, labeled as “Kill Zone” under “Operational spheres.” The travel plans outlined a departure from the UK on July 15, 2025, with the prosecution attributing all notes to Desborough.
Desborough, residing in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, has pleaded not guilty to the two murder charges but has admitted to obstructing the lawful burial of the victims. The trial is ongoing.