A devoted viewer of the TV series Dexter, who stands accused of the murder of two men whose dismembered remains were discovered in a forest, is suspected to have penned a chilling note proclaiming “I’m a killer.”
James Desborough, aged 40, referred to himself as a killer and expressed readiness to eliminate any threats, as per statements in court. Additionally, he is believed to have written various notes, including one labeled “bug out list” and another titled “hostiles.”
Desborough faces allegations of killing Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, in Cornwall last year. Both men had resided with Desborough at a homeless shelter in Newquay, and the last time they were seen alive was in Desborough’s presence.
The victims’ bodies were dismembered and incinerated in an area of Sticker Woods where Desborough resided in a cabin. Law enforcement found approximately 1,900 charred bone fragments in the woods, suspected to belong to Mr. Aquilino.
Parts of Mr. Coleman’s dismembered body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were discovered in a shallow grave nearby. During Desborough’s arrest on suspicion of Mr. Coleman’s murder, authorities searched his cabin and uncovered the notes.
The handwritten notes describe the world as a “flat game board,” mentioning memories from a past life, self-identification as a killer, and preparedness to eliminate threats. The notes also allude to mental and physical challenges faced by the writer.
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain revealed that among the numerous notes was one instructing to “Take care of the remaining muppets,” listing Mr. Coleman’s name. Other notes detailed travel plans, intentions to depart the UK, and references to various items like a “shuffle bag liner” and “new disguise.”
The court heard about a note outlining a safe house list including essentials like logs, coal, and batteries, with a mention of leaving alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. Desborough drew a diagram with concentric circles centered on Sticker Woods, and locations like London and Benidorm marked, titled “Kill Zone” and “Operational spheres.”
The travel plans specified a departure from the UK on July 15, 2025. The prosecutor affirmed that all notes were attributed to Desborough. The defendant, residing in Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, denies the charges of murder but has admitted to obstructing the lawful burial of the victims. The trial is ongoing.