The lawyer of a former US Marine accused of the heinous murder of his wife said that his client prefers staying in jail than getting bailed out.
On April 20 and as their three small children watched on, Brian Earl Johnston set his wife Kelly Wilkinson on fire after dousing her on gasoline.
The woman died horrifically in the backyard of their Gold Coast home with witnesses recalling her dying against a fence.
The 34-year-old also lit himself on fire but jumped to the pool shortly later. When rushed to a hospital with severe burns, detectives found three knives on him as well as a gasoline can, duct tape, a rope and a duffel bag at the house.
The incident terrified the community and citing “concerns for his safety”, Johnston’s lawyer rejected the opportunity to apply for bail Friday.
The couple’s children, aged 2 to 9, are currently in the care of their aunt who has five children.
The Gold Coast community and some prominent retailers of the area are helping the relative with supplies and support.
