British "Dracula" is hospitalized after killing animals and leaving them in churches

Benjamin Lewis, who demonstrated a fascination with vampires, cemeteries and rituals, was blamed for a series of episodes that occurred between February and August 2025. The case provoked fear among residents and outrage among animal breeders.

During a previous hearing, when asked about his identity, he replied: “Count Dracula”.

Lewis confessed to the crimes of animal theft and intentional harassment with a religious aggravation, in addition to conduct that caused alarm in the community. The court ordered that he remain hospitalized until a judge or court considers his release safe.

The investigation began after dead sheep and deer began appearing at religious sites. According to authorities, some incidents coincided with dates associated with the satanic calendar, which led the police to reinforce surveillance in churches during these periods.

The suspect was identified after traces of DNA were found on the remains of a lamb, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.

Prosecutor Laura Deuxberry stated that Lewis left the animals both outside and inside the temples. In some cases, he placed inverted crosses or tarot cards next to the bodies.

A lamb was crucified on top of a church. Another appeared near an image of Mary, while a third was abandoned on the pulpit. In another episode, a deer's head and an inverted cross were left at the gates of a community mental health center near the accused's home.

During the search of the property, investigators found drawings of vampires, notes on rituals and references to the consumption of blood.

Constable Jessica Surman, of Hampshire Police, called the case the most unusual of her career. According to her, Lewis believed that drinking blood would prolong his life and could turn him into a vampire.

“He believed that if he drank enough blood, he wouldn’t go to hell, he wouldn’t die and he wouldn’t become a vampire,” he said.

The investigator reported that the pattern of attacks allowed the police to anticipate some actions. She also said that residents were so scared that they stopped attending the affected churches.

A psychiatrist heard by the court said Lewis had complex mental health problems and had recently been transferred to a higher security unit. The doctor also warned of the risk of aggression against people and animals.

During a previous hospitalization, Lewis attacked other patients and tried to attack his own psychiatrist during a consultation.

The history of similar behaviors began during adolescence. At age 13, he left a dead frog inside a church. In 2003, he was also arrested after terrorizing a vicar and his family, when he declared that he was a vampire.

At the sentencing hearing, held via videoconference, Lewis apologized to the victims and said he had no resentment toward the officers responsible for the arrest. The defense said he recognizes the seriousness of his actions and is remorseful.

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