Ex-US Marine admits murdering spouse by setting her on fireplace
A former US Marine has admitted to killing his estranged spouse by lighting her on fireplace simply weeks earlier than he was anticipated to face trial.
Brian Earl Johnston pleaded responsible to the homicide of Kelly Wilkinson at Queensland‘s Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Johnston set Ms Wilkinson, 27, on fireplace within the yard of the household dwelling at Arundel, on the Gold Coast, about 6.40am on April 20, 2021.
He was discovered two blocks away on a entrance garden in a ‘semiconscious state’, with a melted plastic jerry can, three knives and a duffel bag with duct tape discovered on the scene.
Brian Earl Johnston pleaded responsible to the homicide of Kelly Wilkinson (pictured collectively) at Queensland ‘s Supreme Court on Wednesday
A heartbroken neighbour reported discovering her three kids, who have been aged between two and 9 on the time, crying on the entrance driveway after the terrible killing.
Johnston shall be sentenced subsequent month and has been remanded in custody.
In court docket on Wednesday, Johnston didn’t reply when requested if he wished to say something as to why a sentence shouldn’t be handed upon him.
Defence barrister Kim Bryson stated she had agreed with crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy that March 13 can be appropriate for a sentencing listening to.
‘There are some factual issues that stay contested in relation to the background of the connection … now we have been annoyed in our efforts to get out to the jail because of the lockdowns which have occurred,’ Ms Bryson stated.
Mr McCarthy stated there was additionally a contest of information over the motivation for Johnston murdering Ms Wilkinson.
Johnston shall be sentenced in March
The couple holding one among their kids throughout a vacation within the US. Johnston (proper) is in a severe situation beneath police guard on the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
Justice Callaghan stated he might change the sentencing date if wanted.
Daily Mail Australia reported late final 12 months how an entrepreneur labored across the clock to safe a home and land package deal for Ms Wilkinson’s three kids.
The kids have been taken in by Ms Wilkinson’s sister Danielle Carroll, her husband and their 5 cousins.
Construction entrepreneur Tamika Smith launched a group enchantment to assist construct a brand new dwelling to accommodate the household of ten on the Gold Coast’s outskirts, which they moved into in July final 12 months.
Their new dwelling was constructed by a military of native tradies and volunteers in a challenge spearheaded by Metricon Homes and My Bella Casa founder Tamika Smith, who’s the stepsister of Ms Carroll’s husband.
Johnston served two excursions of responsibility in Iraq with the aviation division of the US Marine Corps – however didn’t see fight.
He had met Ms Wilkinson within the US state of Ohio after his time within the army.
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The estranged couple on their marriage ceremony day. Ms Wilkinson’s mom Karen died in February in a tragic double blow for the household
