Aurora man sentenced to 105 years for killing domestic partner after crash

Travares Mitchell convicted of first-degree murder and armed habitual criminal charges

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 51-year-old Aurora man has been sentenced to 105 years in prison for fatally shooting his domestic partner after crashing a car in 2024. Prosecutors said Travares Mitchell crashed the vehicle, then fired three shots through the window, killing 46-year-old Serhonda Burnett. A jury convicted Mitchell of first-degree murder and armed habitual criminal charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for stronger measures to protect victims. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders should be kept off the streets to prevent further violence.

The details

On January 13, 2024, Aurora police responded to reports of a single-vehicle crash and gunfire. They found Serhonda Burnett in the crashed vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. Burnett was taken to a hospital, where she later died. Prosecutors said evidence showed that Mitchell, Burnett's recent domestic partner, crashed the vehicle into a tree before exiting the driver's seat and firing three shots through the driver's side window, striking Burnett 10 times. Mitchell fled the scene on foot but was later arrested in Florida and extradited to Illinois.

  • On January 13, 2024, police responded to the crash and shooting incident.
  • On February 21, 2024, a warrant was issued for Mitchell's arrest.
  • On March 6, 2024, Mitchell was arrested in Orlando, Florida and later transferred to the Kane County Jail.
  • On November 12, 2025, a jury convicted Mitchell of first-degree murder and armed habitual criminal charges.
  • On March 10, 2026, a Kane County judge sentenced Mitchell to 105 years in prison.

The players

Travares O. Mitchell

A 51-year-old Aurora man who was convicted of first-degree murder and armed habitual criminal charges for fatally shooting his domestic partner after a car crash in 2024.

Serhonda Burnett

A 46-year-old woman who was the domestic partner of Travares Mitchell and was killed in the 2024 shooting incident.

Kane County State's Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that secured the convictions and 105-year sentence for Travares Mitchell.

Kane County Judge Tegeler

The judge who sentenced Travares Mitchell to 105 years in prison.

Hillary Sadler

A Kane County Assistant State's Attorney who spoke on behalf of the victim's family following the sentencing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This sentence is also about the victim and her family who loved her and mourn her absence. No sentence can restore what was taken or erase the pain of her loss. To the victim's family, we extend our deepest condolences and our sincere gratitude for the strength you showed throughout this process. And today, the justice system has spoken in a way that honors the value of her life.”

— Hillary Sadler, Kane County Assistant State's Attorney (Fox Chicago)

What’s next

The judge's 105-year sentence means Mitchell must serve the full 80-year murder sentence and at least 85% of the 25-year armed habitual criminal sentence, with credit for 731 days already served in custody.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to protect victims of domestic violence and prevent such senseless acts of violence. It also highlights the importance of holding repeat offenders accountable to keep communities safe.