Man Cleared of Murder After Hiding and Burying Woman's Body in Woods
A ground worker who concealed a woman's body under a mattress and later buried her in a shallow woodland grave has been acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Mohammed Durnion, 42, was accused of strangling Reanne Culson, 33, at his flat in Paynes Lane, Coventry, on the night of May 21 last year.
Neighbor's 999 Call and Police Response
A neighbor called emergency services after hearing what he described as a woman 'screaming in fear' from Durnion's flat. Officers arrived minutes later but found no trace of Reanne. Jurors at Warwick Crown Court heard that Durnion had hidden her body under a mattress while he pretended to experience a mental health crisis, delaying the investigation.
Discovery of the Body and Trial Details
Reanne's body was discovered nearly six weeks later buried in a shallow grave in Binley Woods, approximately five miles from Durnion's home. Prosecutor Timothy Cray KC informed jurors that the pathologist's post-mortem examination revealed injuries to her head and neck, which had been inflicted while she was still alive. Durnion offered no explanation for these severe injuries during his trial.
Evidence presented in court included:
- A witness seeing Durnion smirking while carrying a suitcase used to transport the body.
- Durnion going on a drugs binge before his arrest.
- Footage released by West Midlands Police showing Durnion pointing out the grave to officers.
Verdict and Co-Defendant Conviction
Durnion was found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter by a majority 11-1 verdict. He claimed that Reanne died from a drug overdose on the night of May 21, when he had consumed 'stupid amounts' of cocaine, and said he panicked before burying her body.
Additionally, Durnion's friend and fellow ground worker, Adam Moore, 39, of Marlcroft, Willenhall, Coventry, was convicted of assisting an offender. Moore had denied the charge, asserting he went to the woods merely to search for Durnion, but jurors found him guilty of helping dispose of Ms. Culson's body on May 22.
Police Investigation and Family Impact
Detective Inspector Nigel Box expressed profound sympathy for Reanne's family, stating, 'The family are understandably mortified and heartbroken... Reanne was a mother, she was an auntie, she was a sister, she was a daughter, and our heart goes out to the family.' West Midlands Police conducted a review of the initial search, identifying learning opportunities but no misconduct, and liaised with the family throughout the investigation.
Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on Thursday, concluding a case that has highlighted the tragic consequences of this crime and the complexities of the legal process.
