Friend-Turned-Killer Jailed for Brutal Stabbing on Thornton Heath Street
Kenneth Pitcher, 51, of Woodcroft Road, Thornton Heath, was locked up for 14 years at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 19 November. He was found guilty of murdering 61-year-old John Kennett just a day earlier.
Fatal Stabbing Sparks Grave Murder Hunt
Police were rushed to Woodcroft Road around 9.30pm on 23 December 2019 after reports of a stabbing. Paramedics and officers arrived to find John Kennett suffering multiple stab wounds outside his home. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 9.49pm.
Post-mortem revealed John died from multiple incised wounds and blunt force trauma to the head.
Betrayal in Thornton Heath: Killer Was Trusted Friend
The court heard Pitcher and John were known to each other and even considered friends. On the fatal day, an argument reportedly erupted at John’s address. Pitcher attacked John, stabbing him multiple times before dragging him outside and leaving him to die in the street.
Pitcher then spun a web of lies. He told police he didn’t know John or how he ended up injured. To paramedics, he claimed John had knocked on his door for help but then fell. Both stories were false—the brutal stabbing was Pitcher’s doing.
Detective’s Message: Justice Served for Brutal Killing
“John Kennett was killed by someone he considered a friend, someone he trusted,” said Detective Inspector Garth Hall of Specialist Crime South. “John was attacked when he was at his most vulnerable in a place where he felt safe. The attack was unprovoked and brutal.”
“Our thoughts are with the family at this time. They have acted with immense decorum in what has been an emotionally charged ordeal — I am extremely pleased they have seen justice served.”
