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Disturbing hand-written notes of ‘Dexter-obsessed’ killer who dismembered roommates revealed

Published 10:49 29 Jul 2026 BST

Updated 10:49 29 Jul 2026 BST

Vese Hyseni
Disturbing hand-written notes of ‘Dexter-obsessed’ killer who dismembered roommates revealed

Homenews

‘I know I am a killer’

New court evidence has revealed disturbing details about convicted killer James Desborough, with handwritten notes found during the investigation appearing to show his mindset before the murders.

The 40-year-old was found guilty of murdering Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, before dismembering their bodies and hiding them in Cornwall last year. 

Police later discovered handwritten notes inside Desborough’s cabin, which revealed his interest in the TV series Dexter and true-crime programmes.

Some of the notes shown to the jury contained alarming statements, including one that read: “I know I am a killer and ready to execute any predators.” 

Another note said: “Take care of the remaining muppets,” with Coleman’s name also listed.

Investigators also found a hand-drawn diagram labelled “Kill Zone”. 

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The drawing featured a series of circles with Sticker Woods at the centre, while London and Benidorm were marked around the outside. It also included the words “Operational spheres”.

Desborough was also linked to a third killing, leading authorities to consider him a serial killer after three men were murdered in separate incidents over a five-month period. 

One of the victims was his prison cellmate, Steven Kempster, who was killed at HMP Exeter while Desborough was awaiting trial.

Despite the evidence presented in court, Desborough denied murdering Aquilino and Coleman. 

He claimed their deaths were a “series of unfortunate circumstances” involving two men who died on his land within a short period of time.

After three hours and 15 minutes of deliberation, a jury at Winchester Crown Court returned unanimous guilty verdicts on Tuesday. 

Desborough showed no emotion as the verdicts were delivered.