A man in Coventry has been convicted for the savage manslaughter of 33-year-old Reanne Coulson. Mohammed Durnion lured Reanne to his flat before launching a vicious assault. He then hid her body overnight and buried her in a shallow grave.
On the night of May 21 last year, 42-year-old Durnion took Reanne to his flat on Paynes Lane, close to Coventry city centre, just after 11.20pm. Within minutes, he attacked her. Instead of calling for help, he concealed her lifeless body there until the early hours.
The next day, Durnion teamed up with friend Adam Moore. The pair drove to Binley Woods where Durnion dug a shallow grave. Moore either acted as lookout or lent a hand. Five and a half weeks later, police discovered Reanne’s remains, sparking a major investigation.
Neighbours reported hearing screams from Durnion’s flat. Police rushed to the scene but heard nothing upon arrival. Durnion refused entry, claiming he was having a mental health crisis. Officers tried to persuade him to seek help, but he fled.
When police eventually forced their way inside, they found a shocking scene: no electricity, clutter piled high, and a bucket used as a toilet. The flat was in appalling condition.
In custody, Durnion eventually broke down and confessed. Overcome with emotion, he led detectives to the burial site in Binley Woods. Forensic tests revealed Reanne suffered fatal head and neck injuries before death. Disturbingly, her body was burned post-mortem.
Durnion admitted using large amounts of cocaine that night but claimed Reanne died of an overdose. He also admitted ‘manhandling’ her. The court rejected both claims.
Adam Moore, 39, was found guilty of helping Durnion cover up the crime. Phone records and soil samples placed him at the burial site. Police say Moore’s involvement was driven by misplaced loyalty, choosing to protect Durnion instead of sparing Reanne’s family further pain.
Both men now await sentencing at Warwick Crown Court.
Reanne’s family said: “Reanne was a devoted mother, loving daughter, and caring sister. She was beautiful and kind. Her warmth touched everyone she knew. We miss her every single day. We ask that Reanne is remembered for the vibrant person she was, not the tragic circumstances of her passing. We appreciate continued privacy as we navigate life without her.”
Detective Inspector Nigel Box from the homicide unit said: “This was a brutal attack on a defenceless woman. Durnion hid her body and continued his life while her family suffered. Thanks to the relentless investigation, justice has been served.”
West Midlands Police have pledged to ramp up efforts to tackle violence against women and girls. Officers are conducting targeted patrols across Coventry and the wider region, working closely with support groups to protect vulnerable women.
DI Box added: “The vast majority of men are horrified by such crimes and we will not tolerate violence in any form.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
