Kierra-Lea Jensen’s terrifying final moments revealed as tributes flow for Ipswich woman allegedly stabbed to death by her partner
The horrific final moments of a woman allegedly murdered by her partner have been revealed as friends paid emotional tributes.
Kierra-Lea Jensen, 28, a mother of two, was found with multiple stab wounds at a home on Flinders Drive in the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt (southwest of Brisbane) on Monday morning after concerned family members asked police to conduct a welfare check.
Her partner Kitchel Kevin Shillingsworth, 36, was charged with murder (domestic violence) and dangerous driving with a motor vehicle and is due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday.
Neighbors remembered Mrs. Jensen as “funny, kind and caring.”
A good friend who wished to remain anonymous told the Courier post Mrs. Jensen ‘always had a smile on her face and was always laughing.’
The grieving friend said Mrs. Jensen was very family-oriented, loved her cats and dog, was always willing to give advice and would sit with her for hours.
She said Mrs Jensen had visited her on Sunday, the day before her death, and that she did not realise it would be the last time she would see her.
“When she left, I gave her a hug and told her she looked happy,” she said.
A grieving friend said Mrs. Jensen (pictured) was very family-oriented and loved her cats and dog
“She said she loved me, and I said the same back.”
A neighbor reported hearing screaming and shouting coming from Mrs. Jensen’s house on Sunday evening.
“I woke up this morning and saw the police outside. I can’t believe something like this could happen.”
The gruesome discovery of Ms Jensen’s body on Monday sparked an urgent search for her partner Kitchel Shillingsworth, 36, who reportedly left the house earlier that morning.
After Shillingsworth was spotted, he reportedly led police on an hour-long chase, which included the use of a Polair helicopter. The chase ended when police stopped his vehicle with tire spikes on Ipswich Boonah Road near Peak Crossing.
Two crime scenes were established in connection with Mrs. Jensen’s death: one at the Leichhardt home and one where Shillingsworth’s car was stopped.
Queensland police also searched the Wyaralong Dam in search of a knife believed to have been used in the alleged attack.
Police officers at the scene of the alleged murder of Ms Jensen at a home in Flinders Drive in the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt south-west of Brisbane
Emergency services found Mrs Jensen suffering from multiple serious stab wounds. Deputy Chief Inspector Garry Watts described the scene as ‘very traumatic’.
Acting Chief Inspector Garry Watts confirmed that Ms Jensen and Shillingsworth were in a de facto relationship.
“I can assure members of the community that the Queensland Police Service [alleged] “Incidents of domestic and family violence are considered very serious,” said Chief Inspector Watts.
‘And we investigate those incidents as best we can and take action where necessary.
“Our condolences go out to everyone involved in this tragedy, especially the family of the victim.”
Shillington’s vehicle was towed from the scene of his arrest for forensic examination.
Detective Chief Inspector Watts also revealed that police visited the Leichhardts’ home last week but “no offences were observed” and no action was taken at the time.
Ms Jensen was the 49th Australian woman believed to have been killed in a domestic violence incident in 2024.
Anyone with information that could assist the police investigation is urged to contact police.