Just weeks after the devastating murder of Sarah Everard and in the midst of a national reckoning of violence against women in Australia, the case of Kelly Wilkinson is yet another haunting reminder that we’re still not safe.
On April 20, police discovered Kelly’s burned body in the backyard of a Gold Coast home. She was a mother-of-three. She was just 27.
Her ex-husband Brian Johnson, 34, has since been charged with her murder and breaching a domestic violence order over her death, per The Australian.
According to ABC News, the alleged perpetrator remains under police guard in the burns unit of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital with charges to be presented to the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 21, in his absence.
Police have confirmed her three children, all under the age of nine, were in the home at the time of the attack. They are safe and have since been taken into care.
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn says police have launched an investigation into whether the alleged perpetrator lit the fire that killed Kelly.
“One of our lines of investigation is determining whether she had a connection to the house,” he said. “We’re interested to determine whether there was a relationship between these two people and whether there’s previous history.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by her sister Natalie Wilkinson to help support her children and plan for the funeral. “Unfortunately Kelly has passed away… we are trying to raise money to pay for the funeral, the kids schooling, and all other costs. Please help us! We appreciate any help no matter how big or small,” the page read.
For help with issues of domestic violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. If you need urgent attention, call 000.
