Mum dies in horror house fire in Geham, near Toowoomba, husband charged with murder

The parents of Louise Hunt, allegedly murdered by her husband, lost their home – built on the same Geham property – to a raging fire just four years before their daughter was found dead inside her own razed house.

Louise Hunt died in a house fire at her home at Geham, near Toowoomba.

A Queensland father has been charged with murder following a house fire north of Toowoomba in which his wife was found dead.

Cameron Hunt, 45, a bricklayer, was charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence offence) and arson, after he was located at a Redcliffe address on Tuesday afternoon following a ferocious fire at their Geham home.

The body of his wife Louise Hunt was found after the fire.

There had been no previous reported domestic violence history between the couple. There is no active domestic violence order.

Cameron Hunt.

The matter was mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning, with the accused not required to attend.

He was remanded in custody and the matter adjourned until July 16.

The Courier-Mail can reveal a second home on the Geham property was destroyed by fire just four years earlier.

Hunt shared a Facebook post on April 6, 2021, revealing fire had destroyed his in-laws’ home on the same property.

“I have some horrible news to share, everyone is OK. The cause of the fire is unknown. Our house and the rest of the property are OK but Phil and Angie’s house was destroyed,” Hunt wrote.

The scene of a devastating house fire at Louise Hunt's parents' home at the same Geham property in 2021. Pic: Channel 7

Louis Hunt’s parents lost everything. Pic: Channel 7

There is no suggestion that Hunt was involved in any way with that fire, nor does the

Courier-Mail suggest the 2021 fire was deliberately lit.

In April, 2021, 7NEWS Toowoomba reported that the Geham family watched helplessly as everything they owned was destroyed by fire.

“It took fire crews seven hours to extinguish the blaze, using water from a neighbour’s pool,” the news outlet said at the time.

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) inspector Paula Douglas said: “It’s horrible to lose your house or have your house involved in fire at any time of the year but at this time around Easter, it’s very tragic.”

The Queensland Police Service said they were unable to comment on the 2021 fire.

“The matter is now before the court as investigations into the incident continue,” they said.

“All aspects will be examined in detail including any calls for service and the relationship between the parties involved.”

Tributes have flowed for her this morning, her sister taking to social media to share a photo of them together and said “To my beautiful sister. I love you so much”.

Friends and family have flooded the comments.

The scene of a house fire at Louise Hunt's parents' home.

“She was such a beautiful person,” one friend said.

Louise worked at Toowoomba business, TUFF Group, as its marketing co-ordinator.

General manager Mark Casey said they were devastated.

“TUFF Group has faced a devastating loss with the tragic death of Louise,” he said in a statement.

“The impact on the TUFF family has been enormous and incomprehensible.

“We are together grieving the loss of a work colleague, friend and an exceptional human being.”

Aerial image of a house destroyed by fire at Toowoomba. Pic: 9 News Queensland

Louise’s work profile describes her as the creative force behind the business.

“Louise’s adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. Growing up in Zimbabwe, she had encounters that not many can boast about, including being chased by an elephant and a warthog,” it said.

“As for her dream holiday destination, Louise’s ideal retreat involves a beach and cocktails. Any place that combines the soothing sound of waves with the clink of glasses is her idea of the perfect getaway.”

Mayor Geoff McDonald shared a message of support for the family and wider community.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic and senseless loss in our community,” Mr McDonald shared in a post to his social media.

“Our deepest condolences go out to all who are grieving.

“May the memory of Louise be a light in the darkness.”

Many friends and community members also shared their condolences for the senseless loss of life.

Police and Fire Investigation crews on scene of property fire on Strack Rd, Geham.

“What a wonderful mum and I am sure she was a great sister. She always spoke fondly of you. Feeling for her children and all of your family,” one commenter wrote to the family.

“You are so very much on my heart and in my thoughts and prayers. So very sad to hear this news of Weezie,” one family friend wrote.

Toowoomba deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff expressed her dismay at the incident.

“It’s an absolute tragedy and all of our thoughts are with the family and friends of Louise,” she said.

“This is a time for us to really come together.”

A woman has died following a suspicious house fire in the Toowoomba region overnight at Geham.

Police have established Operation X-ray Geo which involves detectives from the Toowoomba Criminal Investigation Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit. Hunt is expected to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Fire broke out about 2.50am at the Strack Rd home, which became fully engulfed in flames. Ms Hunt’s body was found inside. Her remains have not been formally identified by police.

A crime scene was quickly declared and Polair was seen circling the area.

The large house was completely destroyed, with confronting images showing the roof caved in and a car burnt out in the driveway.

It is understood they lived at the property after it was passed down from Louise’s parents, Angela and Phil Griffiths.

It took firefighters hours to bring the fire under control.

Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said it was a “terrible situation” and police would be working hard on the case.

“Our investigations now are focusing on not only who resides there but could there have been any other people at that residence,” he said.

“We are trying to establish and make contact with any other persons that may have been there.

“It’s a terrible situation when you have an incident like this. It is still early stages of the investigation and obviously early stages of doing any thorough examination.

“As you can appreciate further scientific and forensic examination needs to occur.”

Originally published as Mum dies in horror house fire in Geham, near Toowoomba, husband charged with murder