Teen killer Luke Mitchell's mum, who refused to believe her son's guilt, dies at 67

Published: 20:40, 30 July 2026 | Updated: 20:40, 30 July 2026 The mother of murderer Luke Mitchell has died at the age of 67. Corinne Mitchell was laid to rest in a private service, a group campaigning against her son’s conviction has confirmed. Her death this month comes more than two decades after her son was jailed for life for murdering Jodi Jones, his 14-year-old girlfriend. The now 38-year-old was locked up in 2005, two years after he killed Jodi in woodland in Dalkeith, Midlothian. He denied any involvement in the murder and lodged a special defence of alibi, but was locked up for a minimum of 20 years. The killer has already had his parole denied twice, with the campaign group – which was headed by his mother – still fighting to clear his name. On July 24, the group posted on social media: ‘Happy Birthday, Luke. We hope this is the last birthday you spend in prison.’ However, yesterday it confirmed Ms Mitchell had died weeks earlier. Corinne Mitchell and her son Luke, before he was jailed for life An update on the group’s social media page said: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the news that Corinne Mitchell passed away on July 9, 2026. ‘Corinne was laid to rest following a private service surrounded by the people who love her. ‘Many of you came to know of Corinne through her unwavering love and support for her son, Luke. ‘Those who knew Corinne also knew that she was a devoted mother who loved both of her sons beyond measure.’ She has always insisted her son is a victim of a miscarriage of justice and only last year launched a new fundraiser to clear his name, claiming ‘critical evidence has already been ignored, untested and even destroyed’.  At the time she admitted: ‘This may be our final chance to bring Luke home.’ The campaign group’s post announcing her death added: ‘Despite her own health challenges, she remained determined, resilient and full of strength.  'Her humour, kindness and unwavering spirit touched the lives of so many. Although Corinne is no longer with us, her spirit will remain. ‘Her determination to see justice done will not be forgotten. In her memory, we will continue to pursue the truth and carry forward the cause that meant so much to her.’ It concluded: ‘Finally, to Luke, we hope you know that you are not alone. There are many people who continue to stand beside you, and who will honour your mother’s memory by continuing to seek the truth.’ Jodi Jones was 14 when she was tragically murdered Mitchell became eligible for parole in April 2024, having served the minimum term of 20 years set by the judge. However, his attempts to gain his freedom have been rejected, amid concerns he is a ‘sexual risk to women’, as have multiple appeals against his conviction and sentencing. Mitchell’s trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, which went on for 42 days, was the longest single-accused case in Scotland at the time. It was only surpassed by the five-month trial of killer Malcolm Webster in 2011. He was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow of murdering his first wife in a staged car crash and fire in Aberdeenshire in 1994, and the attempted murder of his second wife in similar circumstances in New Zealand five years later. Webster was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 30 years.