Burnett murdered Miss Mitchell in Ipswich. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of 24 years.
A neighbor spoke about Burnett in an exclusive interview with this newspaper. The woman wishes to stay anonymous. Burnett told her he liked her and asked to come inside her house. This happened two hours before the murder, on the evening of August 6.
She stated Burnett said he “fancied” her that day and asked to enter her home soon after. She thinks he was armed then, and as she has a young son, worries about their safety. She feared Burnett would attack them, saying he had his knives in his trousers when he asked to come in. She refused and locked the door, describing the experience as “so scary.”
The court heard Burnett stalked Miss Mitchell, a 26-year-old mom, and stabbed her to death. He bought two knives earlier that day and lived on All Saints Road in Ipswich.
Burnett must serve 24 years first before they can consider his release. Miss Mitchell’s mom, Samantha, criticized the police, saying they failed her daughter repeatedly and ignored Burnett’s threats of violence.
The IOPC is investigating Suffolk police in relation to Miss Mitchell’s murder. Suffolk police cannot comment right now as the IOPC probe continues.