James Desborough Convicted of Double Murder in Cornwall
Dismembered bodies found in woodland lead to life sentence for killer already serving time for another murder.
Callum Smith
James Desborough, 40, has been found guilty of the murders of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, whose dismembered bodies were discovered in Cornwall woodland.
Claudio Aquilino vanished on April 18, 2025; Daniel Coleman disappeared on June 3, 2025. The jury concluded Desborough spent their money after their last sightings.
During police searches, James Desborough was present. He reportedly told a forensic biologist he 'particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes' from the TV series Dexter.
Despite this chilling admission, Desborough maintained a different narrative. He claimed he found Mr. Aquilino hanging dead from a tree on his land, asserting his role involved only helping Mr. Coleman dispose of the body.
Desborough further insisted he discovered Mr. Coleman dead in a stream. He then dismembered him using an axe and buried the remains, stating, 'They were friends, I got on well with them.'
Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain KC presented a stark motive. He claimed Desborough may have killed Aquilino and Coleman because he considered them worthless, deserving death due to their troubled lifestyle and being 'dinlos'.
Desborough admitted financial motivations drove his actions. He stated, 'The idea was to cover up the death, carry on using his card. I’m not proud of it, it was like dangling the carrot.'
He explained his dire circumstances, revealing, 'I was homeless, jobless, I had no money and addiction problems.' These personal struggles preceded his horrific crimes.
Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the death of Lee Hockey, discovered in July 2024 in woodland between Truro and Probus. This case now potentially links to James Desborough.
Police searched Paramoor Woods for five months as part of Operation Honeyfall. This extensive investigation involved over 700 officers and scientists.
James Desborough reportedly committed three murders in the weeks and months following an egg-throwing incident at Cornwall's county hall. This timeline suggests a rapid escalation of violence.
Devon and Cornwall Police claim they are investigating whether Desborough may be responsible for more killings beyond the three confirmed murders. The scope of the inquiry continues to widen.
Desborough himself made chilling pronouncements. He stated, 'I know I am a killer and ready to execute any predators.'
I know I am a killer and ready to execute any predators.
In another instance, he declared, 'Take care of the remaining muppets.' These words reveal a deeply disturbing mindset.