Louise ‘cherished time with family’: Mum mourned as husband charged with murder

Louise Hunt’s work profile said she was happiest when she was with her husband, kids and adorable pets.

“She also loves spending time with friends, enjoying delicious food, and pairing it with a good glass of wine,” the short biography for her family’s business reads.

On Tuesday morning, her body was found in the charred remains of her home in the rural area of Geham, north of Toowoomba – about a two-hour drive west of Brisbane.

Her husband, 45-year-old Cameron Hunt, has been charged with murder (domestic violence) and arson.

Police were called to the Strack Road property shortly before 3am on Tuesday to find it engulfed in flames. It took crews two hours to gain control of the inferno.

When police and fire investigators could finally enter the remains of the house, they found Ms Hunt’s body.

Cameron Hunt is charged with murder (domestic violence) and arson after Louise’s body was found in the fire.Credit: Facebook

Mr Hunt was later located almost 200 kilometres away in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.

His case was mentioned at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he was excused from appearing and remained at the watch house.

His Legal Aid lawyer requested the case be adjourned for three months to allow the prosecution to prepare its brief of evidence.

The matter was adjourned until July 16, with the brief of evidence due a fortnight earlier.

Police found the mother’s body in the burnt-out remains of a house in Geham.Credit: Nine News

On Tuesday, police Superintendent George Marchesini confirmed two young children had lived at the home, and they were “safe, well and accounted for”.

“There was no hospitalisation of the children. And all I can say at this point in time, look, they’re young children within that house,” he said.

Police were still investigating the cause of the intense fire. Aerial footage showed the roof caved in and the structure gutted.

“It’s a terrible situation when you have an incident like this, and what I mean by that is any person who’s deceased in a dwelling from the result of a fire,” Marchesini said.

Mr Hunt was later located almost 200 kilometres away in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.Credit: Nine

Ms Hunt worked in her family’s bullbar manufacturing business, TUFF Australia, alongside her brother Anton Griffiths.

“When Louise isn’t busy crafting compelling marketing campaigns, she cherishes time spent with her family,” her profile on the TUFF website reads.

“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.

“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.”

Louise Hunt has been remembered as an “exceptional human being”. Credit: Facebook

The family moved from Zimbabwe to Queensland’s south-east in 2002, when Ms Hunt’s father purchased the TUFF bullbars and ute shop, before expanding the business to Brisbane.

In a statement on Wednesday, TUFF general manager Mark Casey said Ms Hunt’s family, friends and colleagues were grieving an “exceptional human being”.

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

“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.”

A neighbouring family, who didn’t want to be named, said they were shocked and devastated when they found out Ms Hunt had been killed.

They said the Hunts were a “lovely family” and although they mostly kept to themselves, they could be a lot of fun.

The neighbours said Ms Hunt was kind, caring and a hard-working mum.

“We never saw it coming ... it rattles you,” the neighbours said. “What should we have done as a community to see the signs?”

Another neighbour said it was a shocking incident.

“We’re still coming to terms with it ... it’s so close to home,” he said.

On social media, local mayor Geoff McDonald posted that the community was heartbroken by the “tragic and senseless” loss.

“Our deepest condolences go out to all who are grieving. No one should ever have their life taken by violence,” he said.

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

Anyone needing support can contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

with AAP