TOOWOOMBA, Queensland — Ellouisa Brighton, 36, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder after a tragic fire in her Toowoomba home, which resulted in the deaths of three children. The fire broke out at around 12:30 AM on Wednesday, May 7, at a residence in the Harristown area, Queensland.
Brighton, along with four of her children and her 34-year-old partner, managed to escape the blaze. Tragically, her nine-year-old son was found dead inside the home after firefighters extinguished the flames. Her two daughters, aged four and seven, later died at Queensland Children’s Hospital from the injuries they sustained in the fire.
Brighton’s 34-year-old partner, an 18-year-old man, and an 11-year-old boy were able to escape the fire and suffered only minor injuries. Brighton, however, was taken under police guard to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Authorities have launched an extensive investigation involving the Child Protection Detectives, Homicide Investigation Unit, and forensic specialists. They are examining whether the children were deliberately doused with an accelerant before the fire broke out.
As of today, police have charged Brighton with three counts of murder (domestic violence-related), three counts of attempted murder, and one count of arson. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and any potential motive.
Outside the home, floral tributes have been left in honor of the victims.
