Post-mortem reveals the cause of Kelly Wilkinson’s death

A post-mortem examination has confirmed how Gold Coast mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson died, as the man charged with her murder remains in an induced coma.

A post-mortem examination has confirmed Gold Coast mum Kelly Wilkinson died from horrific burns after allegedly being set alight by her estranged husband.

Brian Earl Johnston, 34, allegedly doused Kelly, 27, in petrol and set her on fire in an Arundel backyard last Tuesday.

Johnston, who was later found in a nearby street with significant burns of his own, remains in an induced coma – and under police guard, in hospital after being charged with Kelly’s murder.

Three knives were also found at the scene along with ropes and duct tape, but a post-mortem examination has now confirmed that Kelly died from her burns.

Kelly Wilkinson was found dead at her Arundel home on the Gold Coast. Picture: Facebook

Police were called to the Spikes Court home early on the morning of April 20 after a concerned neighbour raised the alarm about a disturbance at the property.

Her body was found in the back yard of the home, with Johnston found injured nearby.

He was charged with murder later that night.

Kelly Wilkinson's estranged husband Brian Johnston has been charged with her murder.

A senior police officer has admitted that Queensland Police failed to protect Kelly as he announced an internal review would be held into her alleged murder.

Johnston walked from police custody on serious charges without even having to apply for bail just eight days before allegedly murdering Kelly.

“Ultimately it’s a failure,” Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said as he addressed media in Brisbane on Thursday afternoon.

“She had engaged with the system, with us, and we were unable to prevent this from occurring.”

Originally published as Post-mortem reveals the cause of Kelly Wilkinson’s death