Loved ones and a local community have been left devastated by the death of Kelly Wilkinson, a Gold Coast mother-of-three who was allegedly murdered in the backyard of her own home.
Detectives charged Brian Earl Johnston, 34, from New Beith in Logan, with murder and breaching a domestic violence order on Tuesday night.
Police found Ms Wilkinson's burned body at the Arundel home that morning when they arrived to conduct a welfare check. She was 27 years old.
"Formal identification continues after the body of a woman was located at a Spikes Court address this morning, with police believing the deceased to be 27-year-old Kelly Wilkinson, a resident of the address," Queensland Police said in a statement on Tuesday night.
Police work near a crime scene in Arundel on the Gold Coast, 20 April, 2021. Source: AAP
'This should never happen to any family'
The alleged murder of Ms Wilkinson has devastated loved ones and the Gold Coast community.
Sue Clarke, the mother of Hannah Clarke who was murdered by her estranged husband in Brisbane last year, said no family should ever have to go through such tragedy.
“I’d just like to say to Kelly’s family, I’m so terribly sorry, this should never happen to any family ever," she told Channel 7's Sunrise program on Wednesday.
Local member for Bonney Sam O'Connor said many families in the area "will feel this profoundly".
"Having something so horrific happen on a quiet local street has shocked all of us," he said on Facebook.
"Many families in our area will feel this profoundly, especially everyone at Arundel State School.
"They’ll know what this tragedy means for those three young kids who will carry this loss and trauma with them for the rest of their lives."
He called on the Gold Coast to "come together and do everything we can for these kids".
A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to help pay for Ms Wilkinson's funeral and the children's schooling.
"In this time of need, we're trying to help the children, any donation is greatly appreciated," said Natalie Wilkinson, who shared the fundraiser on Facebook. At time of writing, almost $60,000 has been raised.
"Heartbreaking for this beautiful mum and her kids," one person wrote.
"I am absolutely heartbroken by the news. Kelly always lit up the room with her smile and always had us laughing," said another.
"Every memory with Kelly brings a smile to my face. Kelly, you will be missed so dearly, we will never forget you xxx."
'Very confronting scene'
The accused was arrested at a nearby address suffering burns to his hands and airways and remains under police guard at Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane.
His charges were mentioned at Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
The accused cannot apply for bail in the magistrates court and was formally remanded in custody until 4 June.
His lawyer said outside court he is expected to apply for bail in the Supreme Court in the coming months.
Police arrived to a "very confronting" scene at the Arundel home, Detective Superintendent Chris Ahearn said earlier on Tuesday.
Police are seen at the home of murder victim Kelly Wilkinson on the Gold Coast, 21 April, 2021. Source: AAP
“We’re interested to determine whether there was a relationship between these two people and whether there’s previous history," he said.
“The male person has a number of injuries, including some burn injuries on him. Obviously that’s of interest to the investigation.
“His condition is described as serious at this stage, he has some burns to his hands area, and we believe he has some internal burns in his airways.
“The female person also has burn injuries, so we’re exploring the possibility of a connection between the two.”
Superintendent Ahearn said police were conducting an exhaustive forensic examination of the scene.
“We are in the early stages. We’re canvassing residents in that area to get a better determination of that residence, who lives there, and what the movements were there this morning,” he said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
