Kelly Wilkinson: Bradley Bell now facing murder charge as well as accused Brian Earl Johnston

The former boss of a second man charged with the murder of Kelly Wilkinson has described his reaction after hearing of his arrest. DETAILS >>>

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A SECOND man charged with murder after the death of Kelly Wilkinson has appeared in court – in what looked like a hospital gown – where he came face-to-face with the Gold Coast mum’s family.

Bradley Bell, 25, was arrested on Tuesday at a Coomera business and charged with murder.

Bell is accused of driving his ex-work colleague Brian Earl Johnston to Ms Wilkinson’s Arundel property knowing of the ex-marine’s intent to kill her.

He faced Southport Magistrates Court dressed in what appeared to be a hospital gown and a face mask, as Ms Wilkinson’s father and sister sat in the back of the court room.

It is alleged Johnston, 34, set fire to her in an Arundel backyard on April 20.

He has been charged with murder.

Queensland Police have charged Bradley Bell with murder. Picture: Facebook,

The pair’s former boss at a Coomera business was “gobsmacked” by the arrest.

He told the Bulletin that Bell was hired in a casual capacity to “fill the gap while we needed extra staff” and he hadn’t seen him for weeks.

“He didn’t say much at all, really,” the man said. “I didn’t really know much about his personal life, as in what he did on weekends or after hours.”

Kelly Wilkinson’s family leave court.

Speaking on Tuesday after Bell’s arrest, Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said police would allege “that he knew what the end result was going to be”.

“It will be alleged he (Bell) did some acts preparatory to the (alleged) murder that assisted Kelly’s estranged husband in committing her murder,” he said

Insp Ahearn revealed the pair allegedly stopped at a petrol station for fuel prior to her death: “Again this is a terribly tragic event. A family has lost a mother, a daughter, an aunty, a sister, who will not be coming home to them and whilst this might give them some comfort there is still a significant hole in their lives,” he said on Tuesday.

“But it also underscores the situation that we will meticulously investigate these matters and anyone who is culpable in her (alleged) murder will face justice.”

Bell was remanded in custody and is next due to face Southport Magistrates Court on October 15 on the same day as his co-accused.

What police say second man charged with Kelly’s murder did

July 20: A work colleague drove Brian Earl Johnston to Kelly Wilkinson’s house knowing the ex-marine was planning to kill her, police will allege.

Police on Tuesday arrested Bradley Bell, 25, at a Coomera business and charged him with murder of the mother-of-three who was allegedly doused in petrol and burned to death.

Police will allege Bell drove Johnston to the Arundel property in April knowing of his plans to kill the 27-year-old Ms Wilkinson.

It is alleged Johnston, 34, set the fire to her in an Arundel backyard on April 20.

He has been charged with murder.

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Kelly Wilkinson was found dead at her home in Arundel. Picture: Facebook.

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Gold Coast police Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn revealed the pair allegedly stopped at a petrol station for fuel prior to her death.

He said police would allege the man “aided Kelly’s estranged husband” in committing the murder.

“We will allege that he knew what the end result was going to be,” Inspector Ahearn said.

Police interviewed the man at the time of Kelly’s death but detectives have since “discounted” his initial version.

Insp Ahearn labelled the alleged actions as “reprehensible”.

Ms Wilkinson’s family have been told of the arrest.

“Again this is a terribly tragic event. A family has lost a mother, a daughter, an Aunty, a sister, who will not be coming home to them and whilst this might give them some comfort there is still a significant hole in their lives,” Insp Ahearn said.

“But it also underscores the situation that we will meticulously investigate these matters and anyone who is culpable in her (alleged) murder will face justice.”

Kelly Wilkinson’s estranged husband Brian Johnston, who has been charged with her murder.

It is alleged Johnston poured petrol on Ms Wilkinson before setting her alight

Neighbours alerted police at 6.40am on the day of Kelly’s death after hearing “raised voices” and a commotion at the Spikes Ct property at Arundel.

Police found Ms Wilkinson dead in the backyard.

The ex-marine allegedly fled the Arundel home, leaving behind a blood trail, and was found at a nearby Langer Place property.

Johnston appeared in court last week where it was revealed police were still working through DNA evidence

The three children are now living with Ms Wilkinson’s sister.

The alleged murder shocked the Gold Coast community who were left reeling in the wake of her death and have since rallied to build a house for her three kids.

Bell is due to face Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Johnston is due in court again in October.

Investigations are ongoing.

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