Ellouisa Brighton seeks forensic reports over alleged house fire murder of three children

A Queensland mother accused of murdering three children in a house fire will remain in limbo with her defence team demanding answers over crucial autopsy reports and other forensic material.

Construction fencing and a sign advising no entry are seen at the Harristown house fire as a Harristown woman is charged with three counts of murder, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Defence lawyers have demanded answers over delayed autopsy reports in the case of three school-aged children who were allegedly murdered in a horrific house fire.

On November 18, Toowoomba solicitor Alysha Jacobsen appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on behalf of Brisbane firm Kilroy and Callaghan Lawyers to request further evidence in the case against Toowoomba mother Ellouisa Patricia Brighton.

Ms Brighton, 36, is alleged to have set fire to a Harristown home in May of this year, killing three young children trapped inside.

A floral tribute is left by community members as a mother is charged with three counts of murder following a horror house fire in Harristown, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The body of a nine-year-old boy was found at the property while two girls, aged 4 and 7, died later in hospital.

In court, Ms Jacobsen advised Ms Brighton’s lawyers had requested outstanding police material in July but were yet to hear back from prosecution.

“They emailed the prosecution on July 22 with a list of outstanding material; they have not received any correspondence from the prosecution following that request,” Ms Jacobsen said.

A floral tribute is left by community members as a mother is charged with three counts of murder following a horror house fire in Harristown, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Picture: Kevin Farmer

She added the majority of the material still yet to be provided was forensic in nature, including the deceased children’s autopsy reports.

Police prosecutor Senior Sergeant Kingsley Weir said she was aware of the delay but was unable to provide an estimate on when the material could be provided.

“The investigating officer has been working on this brief to provide that additional material,” Senior Sergeant Kingsley said.

“I do believe that a lot of it relates to outstanding forensic material … (however), they haven’t provided me an explanation of how long it would take.”

Ellouisa Brighton has been accused of murdering three children who died following a horror house fire in Toowoomba. Photo: Facebook.

Magistrate Kyna Morice set the matter down for mention in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on December 9, 2025, where any available material would be provided to the defence.

Ms Morice also instructed prosecution to provide an estimate on when outstanding forensic material would be ready to collect.

Ms Brighton is charged with arson, three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

She is yet to enter a plea on any charge.

Originally published as Ellouisa Brighton seeks forensic reports over alleged house fire murder of three children