Toowoomba fire murder charge: Alleged victim was DV crusader

A Queensland mother had volunteered for a domestic violence charity before she was allegedly murdered by her husband. The couple had no DV history.

Police and fire Investigators at the scene of the fire north of Toowoomba

A Queensland mother had volunteered for a domestic violence charity before she was allegedly murdered by her husband at a home in the Toowoomba region.

Cameron Hunt, 45, a bricklayer, was charged with murder (domestic violence offence) and arson on Tuesday evening following a ferocious fire at the couple’s Geham home that morning.

The body of his wife Louise Hunt was found after the fire, while Mr Hunt was tracked down by police at a Redcliffe address on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said there had been no previous reported domestic violence history between the couple and no active domestic violence order.

Hunt’s matter was briefly mentioned in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody and the matter adjourned until July 16.

Speaking to The Courier-Mail, Louise’s friend and domestic and family violence support group Protea Place CEO Amanda Dalton remembered the beloved mum as a kind-natured woman who “lived for her children”.

“I just keep seeing her face,” she said.

Cameron Hunt has been charged with murder following a house fire north of Toowoomba in which his wife Louise Hunt (pictured) was found dead. Photo: Supplied.

“She just had the most gorgeous, friendly, cheeky smile … she was just always smiling and always helping people.”

Ms Dalton said Louise was a proud supporter of Protea Place and their domestic violence prevention work, alongside her siblings and parents.

“She was just such an ambassador for Protea (Place),” she said.

“The (family) are at every event, they believe in supporting the work that we do and Louise was there, flying the banner at every opportunity.”

“May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month and we have a candlelight vigil … Lou would have been there, supporting others and now here we are.”

Not only dedicated to her advocacy work, Louise, in the eyes of Ms Dalton and those who knew her, was a devoted mother and family woman above all else.

“She absolutely lived for her children and her family,” she said.

“They were her everything and will always be her everything. Our hearts are just broken for her children and her family.”

Ms Dalton said she wanted Louise’s impact on the community to not be overshadowed by her death.

Louise Hunt.

“Even though I work in the sector and unfortunately I’m surrounded by the effects of domestic and family violence on a daily basis when it [allegedly] occurs in your circle and with those that you know well it brings a whole new layer of grief,” Ms Dalton said.

“We don’t want her just lost as another statistic or another name on a chair.”

Louise’s sister Savannah Griffiths took to social media on Wednesday morning and shared a photo of the siblings simply captioned: “To my beautiful sister. I love you so much.”

Louise was the marketing co-ordinator at Toowoomba business TUFF Group.

General manager Mark Casey said the company was devastated.

“The impact on the TUFF family has been enormous and incomprehensible,” he said in a statement.

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

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

“Louise’s adventurous spirit was evident from a young age,” it said.

“Growing up in Zimbabwe, she had encounters that not many can boast about, including being chased by an elephant and a warthog.

“As for her dream holiday destination, Louise’s ideal retreat involves a beach and cocktails.”

Louise Hunt. Picture Facebook

Toowoomba 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.”

Police Minister Dan Purdie also extended his condolences to Louise’s family.

“My thoughts can go out to the family and all the police that attended and the first responders. It’s a horrific incident, and we know there needs to be reform in the domestic violence space,” he said.

Police have established Operation X-ray Geo which involves detectives from the Toowoomba Criminal Investigation Branch and the Homicide Investigation Unit.

Fire broke out at the Strack Rd home about 2.50am on Tuesday and was brought under control hours later.

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.

The scene of the fire at Geham on Tuesday

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

Hunt was taken to the Toowoomba watch-house for questioning hours after Louise’s body was found.

Police intercepted the 45-year-old at a Redcliffe address on Tuesday afternoon.

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, 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.

Cameron Hunt.

“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.”

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

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.

Originally published as Toowoomba fire murder charge: Alleged victim was DV crusader