Brian Early Johnston: Former US Marine pleads guilty to setting wife ablaze in front of their 3 children

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA: A former US Marine was found guilty on Wednesday, February 14, of killing his estranged wife in Australia by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire while she was tied up in front of their young children. 

As per the reports of 9News, Brian Early Johnston, 37, stood in court and copped to a count of murder just weeks before he was scheduled to go on trial in Brisbane for Kelly Wilkinson’s 2021 burning death.

When did the grisly crime occur?

The mother-of-three’s scorched body was found in the backyard of the family's Gold Coast home on the morning of April 20, 2021. Johnston, then 34, was accused of violating a restraining order and setting his wife of 10 years ablaze as their three children, aged from two to nine, looked on in horror. Johnston also lit himself on fire in the process and jumped into a pool to put out the flames, police said.

What did the authorities find upon arrival?

Officers who responded to the scene in the city of Arundel found a semiconscious Johnston with severe burns on his body two blocks away from his home. Police recovered a plastic gasoline can, three knives and a duffle bag containing a rope and duct tape.

Brian Early Johnston was in coma for several days

Johnston was hospitalized with burns to his hands and airway, and remained in a coma for days before he was booked on a charge of murder. Wilkinson’s family members were present Wednesday, February 14, to witness Johnston’s arraignment in Brisbane Supreme Court via a video link from jail.

Johnston did not respond when asked if he wanted to say anything as to why sentence should not be passed upon him. The 37-year-old has been remanded to custody pending his sentencing hearing set for March 13.

Defence barrister Kim Bryson said she had agreed with crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy that aforementioned date would be suitable for a sentencing hearing. "There are some factual matters that remain contested in relation to the background of the relationship ... we have been frustrated in our efforts to get out to the prison due to the lockdowns that have occurred," Bryson said.

McCarthy said there was also a contest of facts over the motivation for Johnston murdering Wilkinson. Callaghan said he could change the sentencing date if needed and ordered that Johnston remain in custody. Johnston and Wilkinson’s children have been taken in by an aunt.