The deaths of four people who lived at the Sandy Lodge Hotel in Newquay are being reviewed by detectives after it emerged the building briefly housed convicted serial killer James Desborough, police have confirmed.
What police have said
Desborough, 40, was sentenced this week to two whole-life orders after being convicted of the murders of Claudio Aquilino, 57, and Daniel Coleman in Cornwall last year. He is already serving a life term for the earlier killing of his cellmate.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the killer had lived at the Sandy Lodge Hotel between December 2024 and April 2025. During that period two men and two women who also resided at the hotel died unexpectedly. In light of the recent murder convictions, the force has undertaken a review of those four deaths.
"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,"
The comment was made by Detective Superintendent Rachael Bentley, who set out that a detective inspector not connected to the murder inquiry conducted the initial review and commissioned further inquiries.
Local impact and unanswered questions
Although the incidents occurred in Cornwall, the case has raised wider concerns about the oversight of accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and addiction. The deaths, and the presence of a person now judged to be extremely dangerous, will prompt questions of local authorities, licensing bodies and charities that work with vulnerable residents.
- Timeline: Desborough at Sandy Lodge from Dec 2024–Apr 2025.
- Known victims: Claudio Aquilino and Daniel Coleman were murdered by Desborough.
- Under review: Four other unexpected deaths among residents from the same period.
| Item | Number |
|---|---|
| People who died unexpectedly at Sandy Lodge (same period) | 4 |
| People murdered by Desborough (convicted) | 2 |
At this stage police have not released further detail about the four deaths under review or whether any links have been established between them and the convicted murders. Coroner involvement has been confirmed, and the review is being carried out within the major crime unit independently of the ongoing murder investigation.
For local readers and organisations that work with people facing homelessness or addiction, the police review will be watched closely. The case highlights the particular vulnerabilities of residents in temporary or supported accommodation and the responsibilities of agencies that place or license such premises.
We will publish further information as police and coroner findings are released.
