The quiet, scenic landscapes of Cornwall have recently become the focus of intense police activity, as authorities are now dealing with three separate murder cases—each unfolding in different corners of the county.
What began as a missing persons case has now developed into a much larger web of investigations involving multiple crime scenes, forensic teams, and national support.
Two Bodies Discovered in Separate Woods Ten Miles Apart
Police have confirmed that two men—Daniel Coleman, 43, and Lee Hockey, 50—were found dead in different woodland areas in Cornwall, just ten miles apart.
Daniel Coleman’s remains were found earlier this month in Paramoor Woods, near the village of Sticker, after he was reported missing from St Austell on June 1.
Authorities believe he died sometime between June 2 and July 7.
In a separate location, Lee Hockey’s body was discovered on July 1 in the woods between Truro and Probus.
Although both discoveries happened within close proximity and around the same timeframe, detectives have made it clear that the cases are not linked.
The Search for Daniel Coleman Took Months and Involved National Agencies
The search for Mr. Coleman was exhaustive and stretched over several months.
With help from the National Crime Agency, officers combed through Paramoor Woods before eventually recovering his remains.
Following this discovery, James Desborough, a 39-year-old man from Lower Sticker, was arrested and charged with Coleman’s murder.
He has already appeared before Bodmin Magistrates’ Court and will face Truro Crown Court on August 8.
Confusion Over Claims of “Multiple Bodies”
Tensions rose when Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez made comments suggesting that multiple bodies had been found in the woods during the investigation into Coleman’s death.
“We’ve found dead bodies in that wood,” she said, noting that officers were still trying to figure out the total number.
However, this claim was promptly contradicted by Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft, who clarified that only Daniel Coleman’s remains had been recovered from that area.
Bancroft also stressed that despite public speculation, the death of Lee Hockey and a third murder case were being handled as entirely separate investigations.
A Third Murder Inquiry Sparks New Concerns
Adding to the growing unease, a third murder investigation was triggered by a fatal fire in Newquay on July 22.
A man in his 30s was found dead inside a residential property.
In response, police arrested a 33-year-old man from Bolton on suspicion of murder.
Authorities have not released more information about this incident yet, but they’ve confirmed that it remains unrelated to the other two cases.
Specialist Teams and Extra Help Called in for Support
As investigations intensified, Cornwall’s police force sought additional expertise from across the UK.
Commissioner Hernandez explained that the size and complexity of the scenes demanded more resources than usual.
“The crime scene is massive,” she said, “and it takes a lot just to secure the area.”
She expressed gratitude to other police forces lending support, particularly those bringing in specialist skills in complex investigations.
While some elements of the case remain under wraps, Hernandez confirmed the National Crime Agency is actively assisting.
A large forensic tent has been set up in the area as authorities continue to sift through evidence in what appears to be a challenging and multi-faceted investigation.
What’s Coming Next?
The legal process is now in motion.
With James Desborough already charged for the murder of Daniel Coleman and a second suspect in custody regarding the Newquay fire, the public awaits further details.
Investigations are ongoing, and more revelations could emerge as forensic analysis and police interviews continue.
As for Lee Hockey’s death, police have not confirmed any arrests yet.
All three investigations are being handled independently, and authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation until the facts are clear.
More updates are expected in the coming weeks as police piece together what happened across these separate—but equally tragic—cases.