Devon and Cornwall Police are reviewing four unexplained deaths at Sandy Lodge homeless shelter in Newquay that occurred between December 2024 and April 2025 while James Desborough was staying there. The major crime review has commissioned additional forensic work, CCTV checks and witness statements. Authorities say Desborough is "not a suspect at this time" and that investigators do not currently believe there is a link, though inquiries remain ongoing. Desborough was convicted this week of murdering Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman and was earlier found guilty of killing a cellmate at HMP Exeter.
Four Unexplained Deaths at Cornwall Homeless Shelter Under Review After James Desborough Conviction
James Desborough was on Tuesday found guilty of murdering two men he met at a homeless shelter [Devon and Cornwall Police]
Police in Devon and Cornwall are reviewing four unexplained deaths at Sandy Lodge, a homeless shelter in Newquay, that occurred while convicted killer James Desborough was staying there, authorities said.
Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley said officers are examining the unexpected deaths of two men and two women that took place between December 2024 and April 2025. The review, conducted by the force's major crime team, has included additional forensic work, CCTV checks and further witness statements.
"As a major crime investigation team we were informed by the coroner's officer for His Majesty's Coroner that there were four deaths at Sandy Lodge," Det Supt Rachael Bentley said. "A detective inspector, separate to the investigation but within major crime, did a review of those deaths, and that included commissioning some more forensic work, some CCTV, and statements."
Bentley emphasised that Desborough is "not a suspect at this time" and that police do not currently believe there is a link, though inquiries remain ongoing. Officers attended each of the deaths and initial inquiries suggested natural causes; however, coronial investigations were paused when Desborough was later arrested on murder charges.
The remains of Daniel Coleman and Claudio Aquilino were found in Cornish woodland [Devon and Cornwall Police]
Separately, on Tuesday at Winchester Crown Court, Desborough, 40, of Old Oak Woods, Lower Sticker, Cornwall, was found guilty of murdering two men he met while staying at Sandy Lodge: Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman, 43. Police later recovered the remains of both victims in Cornish woodland.
The jury heard evidence that Desborough dismembered the victims' bodies, attempted to burn the remains and concealed parts in woodland near Sticker where he owned a cabin. He was also convicted earlier this year of murdering his cellmate, Steven Kempster, at HMP Exeter while on remand for the other charges.
Desborough is due to be sentenced this week. Police say inquiries into the four deaths at Sandy Lodge continue, and they will publish further updates when appropriate.
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