Forensics student accused of staging Dexter-inspired kill room kills sex worker in Airbnb

At Wolverhampton Crown Court, the prosecution presented evidence that Benjamin Day, a 20-year-old applied biology and forensics student, fashioned a "kill room" in an Airbnb on Barncroft Road, mirroring scenes from the US drama Dexter. He allegedly contacted Maria Saceanu, a sex worker, via text and persuaded her to come to the flat, where he was already setting up knives, plastic sheeting, a staple gun and other items listed on his phone.

Upon her arrival, Day is accused of stabbing her 78 times, primarily to the neck, and then attempting to dismember her, during which he cut his own hand. He fled the scene, discarded a burner phone, and later called 999, claiming the injury was caused by an animal. Police discovered the victim’s body after a neighbour reported blood, leading to Day’s arrest while he lay in a hospital bed. The trial continues, with the defense suggesting self-defence and a planned TikTok tribute video.