Cold-Blooded Killer Jemma Mitchell Jailed for at Least 34 Years
Jemma Mitchell has been sentenced to a minimum of 34 years for the brutal murder of 67-year-old Mee Kuen Chong at her London home in June 2021. The judge slammed Mitchell as “extremely devious” for the cold and calculating way she carried out the crime and treated Ms Chong’s body.
First Woman Sentenced on TV in England and Wales
At the Old Bailey on Friday, Judge Richard Marks KC delivered the historic sentence, making Mitchell the first female murderer to be televised in court after new rules allowed cameras in UK courtrooms. The judge condemned Mitchell’s actions, calling her behaviour “chilling” and highlighting the horrific treatment of Ms Chong’s body.
“You have shown absolutely no remorse and appear to be in complete denial despite overwhelming evidence against you,”
the judge said.
Gruesome Details Emerge of the Murder and Deception
- Ms Chong’s decomposed body was found dumped in Salcombe woodland by a holidaymaker, with her head discovered nearby days later.
- The post-mortem revealed a fractured skull likely caused by a weapon, while broken ribs suggested Ms Chong was stuffed into a suitcase by Mitchell.
- Mitchell befriended the vulnerable widow through a church group, then plotted to kill her when Ms Chong refused to hand over £200,000 for home repairs.
- The killer forged a will to inherit over £700,000 from Ms Chong’s £4 million estate.
- Mitchell also stole documents, passport, and phone from a dead neighbour named Virgil, using his identity to reactivate a mobile phone and cover her tracks.
Family Devastated, Killer’s Mother Vows Appeal
Ms Chong’s sister, Amy, appeared via video link from Malaysia to give a heartfelt victim impact statement, revealing sleepless nights and lingering questions about whether her sister suffered.
“We still do not understand how she died. Did she suffer? This mystery will haunt me forever.”
Meanwhile, Mitchell’s mother Hillary Collard expressed shock over the conviction, arguing there was little forensic evidence. She claimed the suitcase contained crockery and towels, not a body, and insisted her daughter’s innocence while vowing to appeal.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Eastwood said:
“Mitchell has never accepted responsibility. We don’t know why she kept the body for two weeks, why she decapitated her, or why she dumped the remains in Salcombe. But what is clear is these were evil acts driven by financial gain.”
