Dexter-Obsessed Student Accused of Murdering Sex Worker in Airbnb Kill Room

University of Worcester undergraduate Benjamin William Day is on trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court accused of murdering sex worker Maria Saceanu in a copycat attack inspired by the American television drama Dexter. The 20-year-old defendant, who denies murder, allegedly inflicted 78 knife wounds and began to dismember the victim inside a rented Airbnb premises in the Tividale area of the West Midlands.

Benjamin Day Stands Trial for Wolverhampton Airbnb Murder

Prosecutor Rachel Brand KC told the jury that the defendant planned the attack in some detail, renting the property about 32 kilometers away from his home in Worcestershire and preparing what was described as a kill room. Mr Day had been preparing the premises on Barncroft Road from 5.30pm on December 20 last year before Ms Saceanu arrived at approximately 10.20pm in response to a text message sent shortly after 9.30pm.

The prosecution stated that there was no evidence of sexual contact between the two. Mr Day cut his hand during the attempted dismemberment of the body, walked some distance away to ditch a burner phone, and ultimately dialed 999 for help.

Prosecutors Detail Alleged Links to Television Drama Dexter

Ms Brand outlined several parallels between the physical evidence gathered at the scene and the US television series Dexter, which centers on a police forensic technician who operates as a vigilante serial killer. Mr Day had studied journalism for a year before transferring university courses to study applied biology and forensics.

When police and emergency services arrived following his 999 call, Mr Day was arrested while wearing a Dexter-style khaki top. The prosecution anticipates the defense will argue self-defence, claiming the room was set up simply to film a tribute video for TikTok.

Court Proceedings Continue at Wolverhampton Crown Court

The trial is presided over at Wolverhampton Crown Court and is expected to last for approximately two weeks. Jurors continue to hear evidence regarding the timeline of the December incident and the items recovered from the rented property.