Mitchell was wearing black clothing and a black hat when officers found her in the basement, according to the complaint. They found a flashlight with a sock on it and a black backpack nearby. The backpack contained two laptops, a cellphone, Tupperware and identifying documents for Mitchell.
Investigators said Mitchell told them her father had recently died and her stepmother wouldn't talk to Mitchell or other family members.
"I was just trying to get a couple of my dad's things because you wouldn't talk to me anymore," Mitchell said to her stepmother during her arrest, according to the complaint.
The items Mitchell sought were "pictures, a flannel shirt, ashes, and other items of sentimental value," the complaint states.
Mitchell allegedly gave the same motive to police, also saying she had "just gotten into the house."
"Clearly I'm not good at this," she said, according to investigators, adding, "I know I did something bad."
Investigators said Mitchell got into the house through a basement window.
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