A former US Marine has admitted to killing his ex-wife by setting her on fire just weeks before he was expected to stand trial.
Brian Earl Johnston pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson in the Queensland Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Johnston set fire to Wilkinson, 27, in the backyard of the family home in Arundel on the Gold Coast at around 6.40am on April 20, 2021.
Johnston was found two blocks away in the front yard in a “semi-conscious state,” with a melted plastic drum, three knives and a duct-taped duffel bag found at the scene.
Brian Earl Johnston pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson (pictured together) in the Queensland Supreme Court on Wednesday.
A heartbroken neighbor reported finding her three children crying in her driveway after the horrific murder.
Johnston will be sentenced later this year.
Daily Mail Australia reported late last year how a businessman worked day and night to secure a house and land for Ms Wilkinson’s three children.
The children were taken in by Mrs Wilkinson’s sister after her death.
More to follow