Double Murder Accused Strangled Cellmate: Shocking Prison Killing 2026

Double murder accused James Desborough allegedly strangled his cellmate at HMP Exeter while awaiting trial for killing two men and hiding their remains in Cornish woodland. The case has shocked the public and raised questions about prison safety.

Details of the Prison Killing

According to agreed facts read at Winchester Crown Court, Desborough murdered Steven Kempster on September 15, 2025, by compression of the neck. The conviction came just months before his trial for the earlier murders.

Desborough, 40, is accused of killing Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman in separate incidents. Prosecutors say he hid their body parts in dense undergrowth near his cabin in St Austell.

Evidence Found in Woodland

Police spent five months searching the woods around Desborough’s cabin. Burnt bone fragments believed to belong to Aquilino were discovered in a stream, while Coleman’s torso, legs, and feet were found in a shallow grave. An axe hung from a tree nearby.

During a conversation with a forensic biologist, Desborough said he “particularly enjoyed the dismemberment scenes” from the TV show Dexter, which follows a fictional serial killer.

Key Takeaways

• Desborough was convicted of murdering his cellmate while on remand for two other murders.
• Both Aquilino and Coleman suffered from mental health issues and were vulnerable targets.
• The case highlights the challenges of protecting inmates in overcrowded prisons.
• Desborough’s fascination with violent media may have influenced his actions.

Legal Implications

The double murder trial is ongoing. The jury also heard that Desborough accessed the victims’ bank accounts and tried to fake their movements—one apparently going to London, the other walking a long-distance trail.

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