Devon and Cornwall Crime Commissioner Walks Back ‘Dead Bodies’ Statement Amid Murder Probe Confusion
A senior police and crime commissioner has issued a public apology after falsely suggesting multiple bodies had been discovered in a Cornish woodland, intensifying confusion around an already sensitive murder investigation. The comment, made during a public meeting, sparked widespread alarm before Devon and Cornwall Police clarified the actual findings.
Alison Hernandez, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Devon and Cornwall, made the inaccurate claim during a session of the Police and Crime Panel, referencing the ongoing murder investigation near Sticker, a village close to St Austell. She stated that “dead bodies” had been found, suggesting multiple sets of human remains had been recovered.
Police later corrected the record, confirming that only one body — that of 43-year-old Daniel Coleman — had been discovered at the site.
What Happened: A Statement That Escalated Quickly
Misinformation at a Public Meeting
Hernandez’s remarks during the panel meeting were seen as an attempt to inform the public about ongoing investigations. However, her claim about multiple bodies being found in the woodland was not aligned with the official police position.
Realizing the inaccuracy, Hernandez issued a statement Friday evening:
“In trying to be helpful I responded to an operational question at the police and crime panel, however, I was not fully up to date with the facts of the investigation. I apologise for any alarm this may have caused. The police have operational primacy over these matters.”
Her apology reflects the importance of careful communication during active investigations, particularly in cases involving public safety and community concern.
The Facts: What Police Have Confirmed
Only One Body Found in Sticker Woodlands
Devon and Cornwall Police moved quickly to clarify the situation. According to Detective Superintendent Jon Bancroft, the remains found in Sticker have been identified as Daniel Coleman, a resident of nearby St Austell.
“We currently have three separate murder investigations being conducted in the Cornwall area,” said Bancroft. “I can categorically state that we have recovered remains believed to be those of Daniel Coleman only from an area of woodland in Sticker.”
The Murder Accusation
James Desborough, 39, has been charged with Coleman’s murder, alleged to have occurred between 2 June and 7 July. He is currently in custody and is expected to appear again before Truro Crown Court next month.
Multiple Murder Investigations, But No Link Confirmed
Three Active Homicide Cases in Cornwall
While only one body was found at the Sticker site, police are managing two other separate murder investigations in Cornwall, contributing to public anxiety and media attention.
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Lee Hockey, 50, was found dead in woodland between Truro and Probus on 1 July. The case remains under investigation, with no suspect formally charged yet.
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A third murder case is underway following a fatal house fire in Newquay on 22 July. A man in his 30s was found dead at the scene. A 33-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
Despite the geographic proximity, police have emphasized there is no evidence linking the three cases. Superintendent Bancroft made it clear:
“These investigations are being carried out independently and are not believed to be connected.”
Fallout: Damage Control and Public Trust
Apology Highlights Communication Risks in Law Enforcement
While Hernandez’s intention may have been to provide transparency, her premature comment underscores the risks of speaking out of turn on sensitive criminal matters — especially for public officials not directly involved in operational details.
The role of a Police and Crime Commissioner is to provide oversight, not operational commentary, and this incident may lead to renewed scrutiny over the limits of the PCC’s communications role during active investigations.
The situation serves as a cautionary tale for politicians and officials: clarity, accuracy, and deference to police investigators are paramount when lives and community trust are at stake.
Community Impact: Heightened Tensions in Cornwall
Sticker and Surrounding Areas On Edge
The small communities around Sticker, Truro, and Newquay are understandably rattled. The idea of three ongoing murder investigations within weeks of each other, even if unrelated, has created a sense of unease across the region.
Local residents have expressed concern over safety and public communication, with many taking to social media to seek clarity — only adding to the urgency for accurate messaging from officials.
The Bigger Picture: Murder Investigations, Public Messaging, and Accountability
When Public Officials Get Ahead of the Facts
This incident raises broader questions about the balance between transparency and discretion during criminal investigations. Public officials often feel pressure to reassure communities — especially during high-profile cases — but misinformation can do more harm than good.
As Cornwall grapples with three separate tragedies, the onus is now on law enforcement and public leaders to regain public confidence through careful updates and visible progress in each case.
A Reminder That Words Matter — Especially in a Crisis
Alison Hernandez’s misstatement has triggered an important conversation about the roles and responsibilities of public officials during active police inquiries. While her apology was prompt, it highlights the critical need for accuracy and caution — especially when discussing something as serious as multiple murder investigations.
With police continuing to work on three complex cases in Cornwall, and communities seeking reassurance, one thing is clear: when the facts are still unfolding, silence is sometimes safer than speculation.