THE family of 21-year-old murder victim Janet Müller have vowed not to rest until they find out the truth about her death.

The University of Brighton student was described as a “beautiful” and “inspiration” girl in an emotional tribute.

A post-mortem examination confirmed Janet was still alive in the boot of a car that was set alight and dumped in Rusper Road in the Ifield area of Crawley on March 13.

Her family, from Berlin, said: “We will never forget our beautiful girl and will work with the police to establish her last movements and why she was taken from us so cruelly. We won’t rest until we find the truth.”

“Janet was a much loved daughter and twin sister and words can’t describe how much pain we as a family are in right now.

“She was always there for us and was someone that always made us smile and laugh no matter what.

“Janet was a very inspirational, passionate and caring person. Throughout her life she always cared deeply for her friends and family.

“This tragic event has left a deep hole in the hearts of all that knew her. She will be deeply missed and always remembered for her energetic, fun, bubbly and vibrant personality.

“We are overwhelmed with the love and support that we have received from Janet’s friends worldwide. Janet would have been so happy knowing how much she was loved.”

The keen sportswoman was part of the university’s women’s football and women’s basketball teams and was known as a “ninja” between the posts on a football field.

Students at the Eastbourne campus are still coming to terms with the horrible news.

A friend who spoke exclusively to The Argus said: “She was an absolutely lovely girl. A shining star. Always smiling, always happy. She was just a genuinely nice girl.

“Nobody had a bad word to say about her which makes this whole thing even worse. We’re all in total shock.

“I was sickened when I found out what happened. It’s evil, really evil.”

Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, 26, of Lakeside, Beckenham, London, has been charged with murdering Janet.

He will appear at Guildford Crown Court on April 9.

Timeline of events

  • Thursday, March 12 – Janet last seen leaving Mill View Hospital in Hove at about 10pm.
  • Friday, March 13 – Body found in the boot of a burning car in Ifield just after 2pm.
  • Saturday, March 14 – A 34-year-old woman is arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and is later released on bail.
  • Sunday, March 15 – Manhunt launched for Christopher Jeffrey-Shaw, 26, as police still attempt to identify the body.
  • Tuesday March 17 – Jeffrey-Shaw hands himself in to police at 5am.
  • Wednesday March 18 – Janet Müller is identified as the murder victim.
  • Thursday March 19 – Jeffrey-Shaw appears at Guildford Crown Court charged with murdering Janet and is remanded in custody until his next hearing on April 9.
  • Friday March 20 – A second man, 30, is arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender as friends at the University of Brighton pay tribute to Janet.