A 48-year-old man named Benjamin Lewis has been sent for compulsory treatment in the United Kingdom after ritually killing animals, the BBC reported.
Investigators found that Lewis had become obsessed with vampires and believed he was a member of a vampire cult. To prove his status, he began leaving animal carcasses near churches.
Timeline of incidents
In February 2025, a headless deer was found near Christ Church. Two weeks later, the head was discovered inside the building.
In March, Lewis left a deer's head on the gate of a psychiatric hospital. That same month, he tied a dead lamb to a flagpole near St Peter's Church in Bramshaw and left a tarot card at the scene.
What police found at his home
A search of Lewis's home turned up satanic symbols, vampire-related items, and a suitcase containing newspaper clippings about similar ritual crimes dating back to 2003.
Diagnosis and warning
Psychiatrist Gaurav Malhan diagnosed Lewis with autism and a personality disorder. Malhan said there was concern that Lewis's tendency toward violence could shift from animals to people. During the psychiatric evaluation, Lewis attempted to attack Malhan.
