Investigation into death of Kelly Wilkinson who was allegedly burnt alive by her husband


Shock move as police are probed for their actions in the lead up to the death of mum who was allegedly burnt alive by her estranged husband in front of her three children

  • Kelly Wilkinson’s badly burnt body was found on April 20 in her backyard
  • Her estranged husband Brian Earl Johnston, 35, was charged with her murder
  • The coroner has since launched an independent investigation into her death
  • It called on the Ethical Standards Command to examine police’s actions 

Kelly Wilkinson and Brian Johnston on their wedding day. He had been arrested earlier in April

Kelly Wilkinson and Brian Johnston on their wedding day. He had been arrested earlier in April

An investigation into the death of a young mother’s death has been launched, while the coroner will probe police’s actions in the lead up to her alleged murder.

Kelly Wilkinson’s badly burnt body was found on April 20 in the backyard of her home in Arundel on the Gold Coast, after neighbours reported hearing screams and the sound of an explosion.

Her estranged husband Brian Earl Johnston, 35, was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a ‘semiconscious state’ and was later charged with her murder.

Queensland Police admitted to failing Ms Wilkinson after she had visited a police station twice to complain he had breached the conditions of a protection order.  

Ms Wilkinson’s three children aged between two and nine, who were at home at the time of the alleged attack, have since moved in with their selfless aunt Danielle Carroll, who has five children of her own. 

The Coroner, who has since launched an independent investigation, has called on the Ethical Standards Command to look into police’s actions prior to Ms Wilkinson’s death.

The committee will examine claims police told Ms Wilkinson to give her estranged husband ‘space’ after she went to them for help over fears for her safety.

The committee will examine claims police told Ms Wilkinson to give her estranged husband 'space' after she went to them for help over fears for her safety

The committee will examine claims police told Ms Wilkinson to give her estranged husband ‘space’ after she went to them for help over fears for her safety 

Queensland Police admitted to failing Ms Wilkinson after she had visited a police station twice to complain he had breached the conditions of a protection order

Queensland Police admitted to failing Ms Wilkinson after she had visited a police station twice to complain he had breached the conditions of a protection order

Late last month, Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd and Gold Coast Superintendent Rhys Wildman announced an internal review of the tragic case and admitted they had failed to protect Ms Wilkinson. 

‘Ultimately it’s a failure,’ said Codd. ‘A woman has died. She’s been killed. Somewhere along the line she has engaged with the system, and we were unable to prevent this from occurring.’

A major aspect of the review will be why Johnston was granted police bail after he was arrested on April 11 for what were described as ‘serious crimes’ allegedly committed in February. Police bail is a decision made by a police officer rather than a magistrate.

Superintendent Wildman revealed that police had been in touch with Kelly Wilkinson after a Personal Protection Order was issued following a domestic violence incident police became aware of on March 29.

She then visited Southport police station a further two times complaining that Johnston had not abided by the terms of the order.

Codd defended the decision and said police assessed that Johnston had not breached his conditions.

‘Contact was made [by Ms Wilkinson] because of suggestions there were breaches of conditions and they were looked at and assessed and it was determined the scenario was consistent with the conditions.’

Ms Wilkinson had also been in touch with Gold Coast domestic violence agencies seeking help due to her fear of how the situation had evolved.

‘I’m aware there was contact made with one of the domestic and family violence entities on the Gold Coast around April 13,’ said Assistant Commissioner Codd. ‘Engagement was made with our Gold Coast District domestic and family violence unit. 

The pair married when she was just 18, before separating a couple of months ago

The pair married when she was just 18, before separating a couple of months ago 

The Coroner, who has since launched an independent investigation, has called on the Ethical Standards Command to look into police's actions prior to Ms Wilkinson's death

The Coroner, who has since launched an independent investigation, has called on the Ethical Standards Command to look into police’s actions prior to Ms Wilkinson’s death

‘I can’t go into the explicit detail but it was to highlight concerns on behalf of Kelly about understanding the process about why the [alleged] offender was not in custody.’

Ms Wilkinson met Johnston online 10 years ago and shortly after travelled to the US to meet him in person. The pair married when she was just 18, before separating a couple of months ago.

Her family claimed Johnston dictated what clothes she wore and how she styled her hair, as well as keeping her from her friends and family, and not allowing her to drive or work – leaving her with no money. 

Her sister Danielle told 7News that Ms Wilkinson’s death ‘wasn’t an accident’ and wasn’t the first time violence had occurred in their turbulent relationship.

Ms Wilkinson eventually opened up about Johnston’s alleged abuse to her mother, who died seven weeks ago.

‘We only lost mum seven weeks ago and she thought, ‘mum is the only one who knows’, and said ‘I need to speak up and say something now’,’ Natalie said. 

Mr Wilkinson’s father Reg said his daughter’s death ‘totally preventable’. 

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