Ex-US Marine accused of burning his wife to death in front of their children refuses to apply for bail because of fears for his safety after Australia was outraged by alleged murder
- Kelly Wilkinson was set alight and died at her home on the Gold Coast in April
- Her ex-husband, former US marine Brian Earl Johnston, charged with murder
- Johnson has told his lawyers he won’t apply for bail, as he fears for his safety
A former US marine accused of allegedly burning his ex-wife to death in front of their children won’t apply for bail amid concerns for his safety.
Brian Earl Johnston, 34, remains in custody after pouring petrol on Kelly Wilkinson and setting her alight in her Arundel backyard on the Gold Coast about 6.40am on April 20.
He has been charged with murder and breaching a domestic violence order.
Johnston’s lawyer Chris Hannay said his client will stay behind bars indefinitely.
‘He has not asked for a bail application because of concerns for his safety,’ he said.
Former US marine Brian Earl Johnston will stay in custody amid concerns for his safety after killing his ex-wife this year
Kelly Wilkinson, a mother of three, died after he ex-husband set her alight in a shocking attack on the Gold Coast in April
Neighbours who rushed to the Arundel property on April 20 after seeing flames flickering over the fence were confronted with the haunting image of the young mother up against the fence – still and alight.
Mr Johnston, who was found in a semi-conscious state with burns after the attack, was carrying a knife sheath, police alleged at the time.
Police will allege Mr Johnston jumped into the pool to douse the flames on himself.
Police found a melted plastic jerry can, three knives and a duffel bag containing rope and duct tape at the scene.
Brian Johnston had allegedly fled the home after the incident and was found nearby in a ‘semiconscious’ state
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
Mr Johnston, who was married to Ms Wilkinson for 10 years, spent the first weeks after the alleged murder in hospital recovering from severe burns, but was recently moved to a general prison.
Ms Wilkinson’s three children, aged between two and nine, who witnessed the savage attack, are now living with their aunt Danielle Carroll, who has five children of her own.
The Gold Coast community rallied around the Carroll family after the murder, with some of Australia’s leading retailers, including Harvey Norman, Officeworks and YouFoodz providing them with supplies as they adjust to their new lives.