A 20-year-old forensics student stands accused of fatally stabbing a sex worker and attempting to dismember her body in a case prosecutors say was inspired by the American television series "Dexter." Benjamin Day, a University of Worcester undergraduate, faces charges related to the death of Maria Saceanu, who was stabbed 78 times at an Airbnb in Tividale, West Midlands, last December.

At Wolverhampton Crown Court, prosecutor Rachel Brand KC outlined the case, describing how Day allegedly prepared a so-called “kill room” in the Airbnb property as a tribute to the crime drama. The show, which aired from 2006 to 2013, centers on Dexter Morgan, a forensic technician who leads a double life as a vigilante serial killer. According to the prosecution, Day meticulously planned the murder, including how to dispose of the body without leaving evidence, before luring Ms. Saceanu to the location.

Authorities were alerted after Day injured his hand, reportedly while attempting to dismember Ms. Saceanu’s body, and subsequently called emergency services for assistance. He was arrested following the discovery of Ms. Saceanu’s body at the scene.

The prosecution emphasized parallels between Day’s actions and those depicted in the television series. Day had switched his academic focus from journalism to applied biology and forensics, mirroring his fictional counterpart's expertise. On the night of the incident, Day was wearing a khaki T-shirt similar to one frequently worn by the character Dexter, and had changed into this clothing before Ms. Saceanu arrived at the property.

According to the court, Day prepared the kill room with plastic sheeting secured by duct tape and staples—techniques shown on the series. Evidence presented by the prosecution included a list found on Day’s phone with items such as knives, scissors, a mask, an apron, disposable gloves, plastic sheeting, a staple gun, cleaning chemicals, and heavy-duty bin bags. All these items were recovered at the scene more than a month later. Microscope slides found at the Airbnb were described as a possible trophy from the crime.

There was no evidence of sexual contact between Day and Ms. Saceanu before the murder. Text messages show she responded to Day shortly after 9:30 p.m. on December 20, 2023, and arrived at the Airbnb around 10:20 p.m., where Day had been preparing since the early evening.

The prosecution contended that Ms. Saceanu was killed soon after her arrival. Following the attack, Day is said to have discarded a burner phone some distance away before calling emergency services at 12:50 a.m., claiming his injury was caused by an animal. He was treated at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley.

A guest at the Airbnb reported seeing a trail of blood, prompting the landlord to notify police. Officers discovered Ms. Saceanu’s body inside the property, and Day was arrested at the hospital shortly after 3 a.m.

A Home Office pathologist testified that Ms. Saceanu likely died from wounds to her neck, with other injuries to her hands consistent with defensive wounds. Day denies the murder charge. The trial is ongoing.