A devoted fan of the television series Dexter, who stands accused of murdering two individuals whose dismembered remains were discovered in a forest, allegedly left a disturbing note declaring “I’m a killer.”
James Desborough, aged 40, identified himself as a killer and expressed a readiness to eliminate any threats, according to court proceedings. He purportedly penned notes, including one labeled “bug out list” and another named “hostiles.”
Desborough is facing charges for the killings of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, in Cornwall the previous year. Aquilino and Coleman had resided with Desborough at a shelter for the homeless in Newquay, and the last sighting of them alive was in the company of the accused.
Their bodies were dismembered and incinerated in Sticker Woods, where Desborough resided in a cabin. Authorities discovered around 1,900 charred bone fragments, suspected to be from Aquilino’s body, in the woods.
Portions of Coleman’s dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were unearthed in a shallow grave nearby. During Desborough’s arrest on suspicion of murdering Coleman, a search of his cabin unearthed the notes.
The notes, meticulously handwritten, depicted the earth as a “flat game board” and detailed Desborough’s beliefs and experiences, including references to previous lives and military service. The prosecution revealed that Desborough also made plans to depart the UK in 2025, as mentioned in the notes.
In addition to the travel plans, Desborough’s notes contained references to leaving the country, altering his appearance, and establishing a safe location. The prosecution asserted that the notes, including a list of items for a safe house, were authored by Desborough.
Desborough has admitted to impeding the lawful burial of the victims’ bodies but denies the murder charges. The trial is ongoing.
