‘Inhumane’: Family’s heartache after mum allegedly set on fire, left ‘almost lifeless’
The family of a Logan mother-of-two allegedly set on fire by her ex say it’s terrifying to see her “almost lifeless”. The family packed a courthouse as her accused’s case was mentioned.
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The family of a Logan mother-of-two allegedly set on fire by her ex-partner say it’s terrifying to see her “almost lifeless” as they urge others going through domestic violence to speak to their families.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku remains in a serious condition in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after the alleged attack on Saturday.
“On behalf of the family, she’s such a strong soul,” Destiny’s cousin Blake Timu told The Courier-Mail on Monday.
“The condition she’s currently in is just inhumane and it’s terrifying to see her almost lifeless.
Destiny is the eldest daughter in a family of seven and a mother to two teenage boys.
“She’ll be in a long journey of recovery and we’ll be right there by her side with her babies through it all,” Ms Timu said.
“Most importantly, we urge anyone going through anything like this to please reach out to your family.
“No-one should ever go through such a traumatising experience.”
Police will allege about 7.45am on Saturday, a 36-year-old man was involved in an altercation with the woman at a home in Kingston Court at Kingston.
It will be alleged the man then poured accelerant on Ms Otton-Rakuraku before using a lighter to set her on fire.
As of Monday afternoon the family had no answers from doctors at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital on when she would be out of ICU and off life support.
Ms Timu said the family appreciated all the support a GoFundMe set up for Ms Otton-Rakuraku had, reaching more than $25,000 by 1.30pm Monday.
“It’s surreal and beautiful how everyone has come together for our girl,” she said.
The accused, Renata Edward Manning, had his matter briefly mentioned at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday morning.
The couple had broken up in November after being in an on-and-off relationship for three years, according to Ms Otton-Rakuraku’s family.
Friends and family attended court in support of Ms Otton-Rakuraku, filling rows of seating and others forced to stand or sit on the floor.
Manning did not appear and was represented by Legal Aid duty lawyer Jacilynn Young.
Ms Young requested a five-week adjournment for a Legal Aid application to be processed and for a brief of evidence to be disclosed.
The matter was adjourned for mention on March 12.
Manning was remanded in custody and will appear via video link on that date.
Earlier, her mother Alison Rakuraku told Channel 7 she was “devastated and numb”.
She said her girl was strong.
“She’s strong, we will be strong for our girl,” she said.
It’s understood shocked neighbours saw the woman on fire and called emergency services before running to her aid.
The man was arrested and charged with attempted murder, common assault and other offences. Neighbours reported hearing arguing on Friday night before the horrific incident just hours later.
A GoFundMe for the mother-of-two teenage boys has raised more than $25,000.
Organiser Monique Kidd wrote the family has been put through unbearable pain.
“(She is) a 34-year-old mother to 2 beautiful teenage boys, a support worker with a natural giving heart who didn’t deserve what has happened to her, she works multiple jobs and also study’s (sic), and strives hard to achieve,” Ms Kidd said.
“As her family sit by her bedside, on behalf of my friends whose reality is currently a living nightmare I wanted to try ease the stress.”
All the funds raised from the GoFundMe will be used towards Destiny’s medical bills, after care, recovery, rent, children, pets and her family to travel backwards and forwards.
Queensland Police have said investigations would include any previous calls for service and the relationship between the pair.
“As this matter is now before the courts it would be inappropriate to provide further comment,” a police spokesman said.
“However, all aspects of the police response will be examined in detail as part of the investigation to ensure we have the full picture of what occurred.
“This will include any calls for service and the relationship between the parties.”
Premier David Crisafulli said the incident had shaken the state.
“I want Queenslanders to know how much sorrow the state has experienced and how much the state is thinking of the young woman involved,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“To her family, to the neighbours, to the first responders, to every Queenslander – these are the kind of incidents that rocks communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”
Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Minister Amanda Camm supported the Premier’s comments.
“I also want to extend my thoughts and best wishes to the young woman who we understand is still in a serious condition and her condition will evolve in the coming days, but her life will be forever changed,” Ms Camm said.
“Every Queenslander has the right to feel safe in their own home, but too many have been living in fear behind closed doors for too long.”
Originally published as ‘Inhumane’: Family’s heartache after mum allegedly set on fire, left ‘almost lifeless’
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