The alleged killer of a mother-of-three who was stabbed to death in a town centre street appeared in court today.
Logan Burnett, 27, is charged with the murder of Courtney Mitchell, 26, who was found with critical injuries after police responded to a 999 call.
Ms Mitchell, who was described by a friend as ‘the brightest light in the room’, died a short time later in hospital.
A post-mortem examination carried out yesterday by a Home Office pathologist found she died from stab wounds to the chest.
Ms Mitchell was attacked at around 7pm on Tuesday in Ipswich, Suffolk.
Courtney Mitchell, 26, was found with critical injuries after police responded to a 999 call
Ms Mitchell, who was described by a friend as ‘the brightest light in the room’, died a short time later in hospital
Burnett, of Ipswich, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the short hearing.
He was not asked to enter a plea to the murder charge while standing in the glass-fronted dock and was remanded to appear later today at Ipswich Crown Court.
Prosecutor Wayne Ablett said police had been called to an address in Ipswich as they were concerned about the occupant and forced entry to check on their welfare.
He added: ‘Mr Burnett was present on the bed, under a duvet. He did not know where the occupant was and officers tried to engage with him.’
A post-mortem examination carried out yesterday by a Home Office pathologist found she died from stab wounds to the chest
Anyone with any information about Ms Mitchell’s death is asked to contact police
Mr Beamish added: ‘With regard to the charge of murder, you will be remanded into custody and taken straight to Ipswich Crown Court.’
Ms Mitchell had two sons aged one and eight and a four-year-old daughter, according to friends.
Her uncle, Andy Hutchinson, posted a moving Facebook tribute to her, saying: ‘This is my niece Courtney Mitchell, 26 years of age, it would have been her 27th birthday on Friday, August 9th.
‘Unfortunately, tragedy struck our family on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. Courtney’s young life was brutally taken from us and her children! Her whole family is utterly devastated.
‘Her three young babies whom she adored will never see their mum again, her family will miss that beautiful smile, her infectious laugh that lit up a room, her mischievous and cheeky manner.
‘We will fight for the justice she deserves and ensure she has a legacy. Courtney will always be In HER FAMILY’S hearts and minds, Courtney will NEVER EVER be forgotten.
‘She was a shining light in a dark world…R.I.E.P Beautiful Girl…All our love always.’
A man being arrested in Ipswich on suspicion of the murder of mother-of-three Courtney Mitchell
Police at the scene after Courtney Mitchell was found with fatal stab injuries in Burrell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk
The father of one of Ms Mitchell’s sons has launched a GoFundMe appeal towards her funeral costs and help her ‘get the best send off’.
A message accompanying his appeal said: ‘Hello everyone. I’m fundraising for my son’s mother, Courtney, who was brutally murdered on the August 6th.
‘She was a mother to three before a horrible human took her life. I just want her to have the best send off for her and the family, and to support our children. I love you Courtney Jaye Mitchell. Help my son’s mother get the best send off.’
The appeal, which has a target of £7,000, has so far raised nearly £3,800.
Another tribute posted on Facebook by one of Ms Mitchell’s friends said: ‘The brightest light of any room, a mother, daughter, sister and an aunty to the most precious souls just as herself.
‘I hope you find your peace you were too good for this world and the monsters that lurk amongst us. You were so loved and by so many.’
Anyone with any information about Ms Mitchell’s death is asked to contact police.
Drivers with dash cameras, or anyone with CCTV or doorbell cameras in the area, are should review any footage between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday for anything that may be relevant.