Maria Saceanu, a 24-year-old woman, was murdered by Benjamin Day, a 20-year-old forensic science student, who was reportedly obsessed with the television show Dexter. Saceanu was lured to an Airbnb in Tividale, West Midlands, where Day stabbed her to death and attempted to dismember her body. The incident occurred on December 20, 2022, after Saceanu arrived at the location around 10 PM. Day had prepared the room with plastic sheeting as a tribute to the show.
A Home Office pathologist determined that Saceanu died from wounds to her neck and had multiple defensive wounds on her hands. Day pleaded guilty to murder during his trial and will be sentenced in December 2026. The court heard that he contacted Saceanu through a website using a burner phone shortly before the murder.
Saceanu's cousin described her as a caring individual who dreamed of becoming a mother. She expressed regret over not answering Saceanu's last call and shared her sorrow over the loss of her cousin, who was an only child and had recently lost her mother.
Day was arrested after he injured his hand while attempting to dismember Saceanu's body. He initially claimed self-defense, alleging that Saceanu attacked him, but the prosecution presented evidence that contradicted his claims. Jonathan Roe from the Crown Prosecution Service stated that Day's guilty plea brought closure to the case and emphasized the importance of securing justice for Saceanu and her family.