UK student accused of recreating TV killer Dexter's 'kill room' to murder woman
A University of Worcester student is on trial in Wolverhampton accused of murdering a sex worker after setting up a replica of the TV show Dexter's 'kill room' in a rented Airbnb.
A murder trial has opened at Wolverhampton Crown Court against Benjamin William Day, 20, a University of Worcester student from Redditch, Worcestershire, who is accused of killing Maria Saceanu in December 2025.
Prosecutor Rachel Brand KC told jurors that Day, who had switched from journalism to a course in applied biology and forensics, was fascinated by the American television series Dexter, about a forensic scientist who secretly works as a serial killer. According to the prosecution, Day rented an Airbnb property in Tividale, West Midlands, and transformed a bedroom into a replica of the show's 'kill room,' lining the walls and floor with plastic sheeting.
The court heard that Day had drawn up a list on his phone a month earlier of items needed for the killing, including plastic sheeting, a staple gun, cleaning chemicals and microscopic slides, along with an apron, visor and gloves similar to those worn by the fictional killer. Prosecutors say he contacted Saceanu, who worked as a sex worker, and she travelled by car to the property after responding to his message.
Brand said Day stabbed Saceanu numerous times, inflicting 78 wounds, many after her death, according to a Home Office pathologist, who concluded she likely died from wounds to her neck that damaged her carotid arteries. Wounds on her hands were consistent with her trying to defend herself.
The prosecution alleges Day then attempted to dismember the body but abandoned the attempt after cutting his own hand, leaving the property and later contacting the landlord to extend his booking. He initially told police his injury came from an animal bite. Police were alerted after another guest noticed blood at the property, and Day was arrested in hospital on suspicion of murder.
Day denies murder and is expected to argue self-defence, claiming Saceanu attacked him with a knife after seeing the staged room, and that he disarmed her and stabbed her only a few times. Prosecutors say no evidence of sexual contact was found between the two. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
