GEHAM, QLD — Cameron Hunt, husband of Louise Hunt, has been charged with murder and arson following a devastating house fire in Geham, west of Brisbane, that left his wife dead and their home in ruins.
Emergency services responded to a house fire on Strack Road shortly before 3 a.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters spent hours battling the blaze before discovering Louise Hunt’s body inside. Two children were located nearby but were unharmed. Hunt was missing from the scene, prompting a major search.
A crime scene was established, with a PolAir helicopter deployed to assist. Roughly 12 hours later, Cameron Hunt was arrested over 200km away in Redcliffe, north of Brisbane.
Queensland Police later confirmed:
“A 45-year-old Geham man has been charged with one count each of murder (domestic violence offence) and arson.”
Hunt was held in custody overnight and is set to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Formal identification of Ms Hunt’s remains is still underway.
Photos from the scene reveal a completely destroyed home, with the roof collapsed and a burnt-out vehicle visible in the wreckage. The family had reportedly moved into the home recently, which was inherited from Ms Hunt’s parents, Angela and Phil Griffiths. The Griffiths, well known in the Toowoomba community, are said to be devastated by the tragedy.
Police have launched Operation X-Ray Geo to investigate the fatal incident.
“It’s still early in the investigation. Forensic teams and homicide detectives are working to thoroughly examine the scene,” said Detective Superintendent George Marchesini.
The two children involved were confirmed to be safe and well, and not hospitalized.
Investigators are also looking into whether anyone else was present at the time of the fire. Authorities urge anyone with CCTV footage or relevant information to come forward.
