Serial Killer Convicted of Double Murder in Cornwall

James Desborough has been convicted of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman. The jury at Winchester Crown Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts on Tuesday after deliberating for three hours and 15 minutes. Desborough, 40, murdered Mr Aquilino, 57, and Mr Coleman, 43, before dismembering and concealing their bodies in woodland near St Austell, Cornwall, last year. He is already serving a life sentence after strangling his cellmate, Steven Kempster, 65, at HMP Exeter while awaiting trial for the double murder.

Discovery of Remains and Disturbing Confessions

Mr Aquilino and Mr Coleman had previously lived with Desborough at a homeless hostel, and were last seen in his company. Following their disappearances, their bodies were dismembered in Sticker Woods. Police discovered approximately 1,900 burned bone fragments from Mr Aquilino's body in a stream. Parts of Mr Coleman's body, including his torso, legs, and feet, were found in a nearby shallow grave. During the investigation, Desborough told a forensic biologist that he "particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes" in the television series Dexter. Handwritten notes found in Desborough's cabin included one titled 'Kill Zone' with 'Operational spheres' listing London and Benidorm.

Read Next in Barnet Press3 min read

Islington Covid Positivity Rate Falls After Initial Spike

Council attributes initial high figures to low testing volumes, not a borough-wide surge.

Desborough, a former builder, denied both murders, claiming the deaths were a result of "a series of unfortunate circumstances." He stated he found Mr Aquilino dead from hanging and assisted Mr Coleman in disposing of the body. He also claimed he found Mr Coleman dead later and dismembered and buried the remains himself. Desborough had previously pleaded guilty to preventing the lawful burial of the two men.

The timeline of events indicates Mr Aquilino was last seen alive on 18 April, and Mr Coleman on 3 June. Desborough was arrested on 30 June in connection with bank card fraud against the victims, and later on suspicion of Mr Coleman's murder. He was charged with Mr Aquilino's murder on 28 October. Desborough was convicted of murdering Mr Kempster on 16 March 2026, and the trial for the double murder of Mr Aquilino and Mr Coleman began on 22 June 2026.

Related Borough Coverage4 min read

TfL under‑investment leaves commuters losing 830,000 hours in April‑May 2026

A £6.5 billion renewals backlog and spending below the required level have driven delays that affect Barnet residents and the wider capital