27-Year-Old Mother-Of-Three Burnt To Death By Former Partner Outside Her Home

Police in Gold Coast, Australia launched a murder investigation on Tuesday, April 20 after the burnt body of a woman was found in the back yard of her home. While the police have not formally identified the corpse, it is believed to be that of 27-year-old Kelly Wilkinson. Her estranged partner, Brian Johnston, has been arrested as the primary suspect of her murder. He is being held in police custody while the investigation continues.

Around 6:40 a.m. local time, a resident of Spikes Court, Arundel alerted the police of domestic disturbance. The resident said that they heard a woman scream followed by an explosion. Upon investigating the area, police discovered the body of the deceased in the garden of her home. Her three young children were still inside when the police made the discovery.

A short distance from the scene of the crime the police found the semi-conscious suspect, News Nine reported. The 34-year-old man had sustained burns as well. Witnesses claim that they saw the injured and bloodied man. The Sun reported that the man had responded to a witness that he was fine even though he was evidently injured.

He received medical attention before being taken to Gold Coast University Hospital. While he remains at the hospital for the treatment of his injuries, police continue to hold him in custody. He has been denied bail and is being guarded by officers at the medical facility. Once he is released from the hospital, he may be detained. Charges against him will be presented in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 21 in the accused’s absence.

Police officers, homicide detectives and forensic investigators searched the entire neighborhood through the rest of the day. The search continued as police believe that further evidence could be found around the neighborhood. The investigation even prevented trash collection in the area. The woman’s body was sent for post mortem examination and her identity has not been officially confirmed by the police.

One of the investigators, Chris Ahearn, revealed that Kelly’s three children, all under the age of nine, were inside the home during the attack. The motive behind the attack remains unknown.

One of Kelly’s relatives, Natalie Wilkinson created a GoFundMe page. The page states that funds gathered would help the family arrange for the victim’s funeral. It would also go towards the education of the deceased woman’s children.