Police in Cornwall have launched an investigation into the sudden deaths of four people who lived at a homeless shelter previously home to James Desborough, a man convicted of murdering two homeless men and his prison cellmate and believed to have been inspired by the fictional serial killer Dexter.
Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed they are reviewing the four unexplained deaths at the shelter in Cornwall, where Desborough resided before committing the murders. The inquiry comes after Desborough, 40, was found guilty of killing Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43, both homeless men, in separate attacks in the county last year. He was also convicted of murdering a fellow inmate while on remand. During his trial, the court heard that Desborough was influenced by the television series «Dexter», which follows a forensic blood-splatter expert who leads a double life as a serial killer. He is said to have fantasised about becoming a serial killer after watching the show and sought to emulate the character's methods.
Detectives are now examining whether there is any connection between Desborough and the deaths of the four individuals, all of whom had been residents at the same shelter. Police have described the deaths as «unexplained» and have not yet determined a cause or whether foul play was involved. The investigation is in its early stages, and officers are making enquiries across the region. The four deaths occurred at the shelter where Desborough was living before his arrest for the murders of Aquilino and Coleman. Police have not released the names of the four deceased, pending further investigations.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of homeless populations and the challenges of providing safe accommodation. The shelter, which has not been named, provides housing for people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall. Staff have been cooperating with investigators and have expressed shock at the developments. The shelter is run by a local charity and accommodates individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The charity that runs the shelter has not commented publicly.
Desborough is due to be sentenced at a later date. The investigation into the four deaths is ongoing, and police have urged anyone with information to come forward. A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said the force is committed to a thorough review of all the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The case highlights the broader issue of homelessness and the need for better protection for those living in temporary accommodation. Community leaders have expressed concern over the safety of residents in such facilities. The police have assured the public that they are conducting a thorough review and that there is no indication of a wider threat at this time. The deaths and the subsequent investigation have underscored the risks faced by homeless individuals, who are often among the most vulnerable members of society. Campaigners have called for better oversight of homeless shelters to prevent such incidents in the future.
