Killer Leads Officers to Woodland Grave of Coventry Mother
This is the horrifying moment a killer showed police where he had buried a devoted mother-of-two in a Midlands woodland. Mohammed Durnion took West Midlands Police to the exact spot in Binley Woods where he had interred Reanne Coulson, tearfully telling officers: "She's under there."
Chilling Discovery After Weeks of Investigation
Durnion has today been convicted of manslaughter at Warwick Crown Court, though he was cleared of murder. The conviction follows a large-scale police investigation that began when Reanne was reported missing on June 11 last year.
The investigation established that Durnion had taken Reanne to his flat on Paynes Lane, near Coventry city centre, at just after 11.20pm on May 21. Within minutes, he attacked the 33-year-old sex worker before hiding her inside the address overnight.
Police Encounter at the Flat
Later that same night, officers responded to reports that a woman could be heard screaming from within Durnion's flat. They arrived promptly but heard no sounds coming from the property. Durnion denied officers access, stating he was suffering a mental health crisis.
Concerned for his wellbeing, officers tried to convince Durnion to seek immediate help, but he walked off. They did force their way into the property, finding it in extremely poor condition with no electricity, items scattered everywhere, and a bucket serving as a toilet. There was no clear sign of anyone being present.
The Burial in Binley Woods
The police investigation revealed that Durnion returned to the flat in the early hours of May 22 after officers had left. He managed to get back inside and retrieve Reanne, whom he had hidden. He then placed her in a suitcase, drove her to dense woodland in Binley, dug a grave, and used petrol to burn her body.
During the trial, Durnion admitted to "manhandling" Reanne but claimed she died of an overdose. He said he had taken a large amount of cocaine. When questioned about his behaviour when officers knocked on his door, he confirmed he had hidden Reanne beneath a duvet and a mattress and lied to officers multiple times to prevent them from accessing his flat.
Friend's Involvement Uncovered
Police also uncovered the role of Durnion's friend, Adam Moore, aged 39 from Marlcroft, Coventry. Moore had driven with Durnion to Binley Woods on the afternoon of May 22, in separate cars but in close proximity. Moore claimed he did this out of concern for Durnion's welfare, but evidence suggested he either assisted in digging the grave or acted as a lookout.
Phone records and soil samples taken from Moore's footwear confirmed his presence at the scene. Moore was found guilty of assisting an offender. Both men will be sentenced at a date to be fixed.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
A statement from Reanne's family expressed their deep gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout this incredibly difficult time. They also extended sincere thanks to all witnesses who came forward, noting that their courage, honesty, and willingness to speak meant more than words could express.
The family described Reanne as a devoted mother, loving daughter, caring sister, and loyal friend. "She was beautiful and kind," they said. "Her warmth and humour touched everyone who knew her. She is missed every single day."
They added: "As a family, the loss of Reanne has changed our lives forever. As her Mum and Dad, this has been devastating beyond anything we could ever have imagined. It has broken us in ways that words cannot fully express."
The family asked that Reanne be remembered not for the circumstances of her passing but for the beautiful, vibrant person she was.
Investigation Details
Inquiries had established that the last known sighting of Reanne was near the church she attended on Raglan Street at just before 10pm on May 21. Subsequent investigation work discovered Durnion had been driving through the area that same evening.
It was while in custody that an emotional Durnion broke down in front of detectives and agreed to lead officers to where Reanne was buried in Binley Woods. She was found in a shallow grave that Durnion had dug with Moore's help.
A post-mortem examination was unable to establish a cause of death, but it revealed that Reanne appeared to have sustained head and neck injuries while alive. She was also found with burn injuries that occurred following her death.
The police issued a series of public appeals following Reanne's disappearance, with her brave family also pleading for information on her whereabouts. The cruel, tragic reality of what had actually happened gradually emerged through meticulous police work.
