An inquest examining the death of a mother of three, which occurred on April 20, 2021, was unexpectedly paused on Thursday. This decision stemmed from a dramatic new assertion put forth by the attorney representing the Wilkinson family.
Authorities were initially alerted to Wilkinson’s reports of domestic violence 23 days before she was tragically killed. Officers subsequently visited her residence to facilitate her in making a formal statement.
The unexpected claim by lawyer Rawlings emerged after Wilkinson’s grieving family delivered a poignant victim impact statement, with tears in their eyes, on Thursday.
Danielle Carroll, Wilkinson’s sister, expressed that her sibling had much more life to experience.
“Living as a daughter, sister, wife, and mother was her only aspiration,” Carroll shared.
“For her three children, she was home—a sanctuary filled with unconditional love,” she added.
The children now live with Carroll and her family, but it can never be the life they would have shared with their mother.
“All that Kelly wanted from life was to love and be loved – there are no words for the way she suffered in her last moments.
“There will never be any words to pass on to her children to make them feel okay.”
The ripple effect of the tragedy has been “immeasurable” with the family surviving minute by minute, hour by hour, she said.
“Losing someone to such a horrific murder is a different beast, it is unforgiving.
“For every milestone and achievement of her children, I stand with them and celebrate, but it should be her.”
Just after 3am on April 20, 2021, Johnston went to a petrol station where he filled a 20-litre jerry can with fuel.
Dressed in black clothes and a black face mask, Johnston then turned up at Wilkinson’s home, breaching his temporary protection order.
He attacked his wife, stabbing her repeatedly before dousing her with petrol and burning her alive.
Johnston pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life behind bars.
The inquest – initially set to end on Thursday – has been adjourned to a later date following the latest allegation.
Support is available by calling 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491.
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