Heartbroken family break their silence after young mother-of-two was allegedly doused in an accelerant and set on fire by a man
The family of a young mother who was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-partner have broken their silence over the horrific incident.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, is fighting for her life in the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after the alleged attack on Saturday morning.
Her mother, Alison Rakuraku, said 7News she was ‘devastated and numb’ but ‘she is strong’ [and] we will be strong for our girl’.
Police will allege that about 7.45am on Saturday, a 36-year-old man, known to Ms Otton-Rakuraku, was involved in an altercation with her at a house in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane.
It is alleged the man poured petrol on her before using a lighter to set her on fire.
Shocked neighbors reportedly saw the woman on fire and called emergency services before rushing to her aid.
The mother of two teenage boys suffered significant burns, including to her face, and is in a critical but stable condition.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku (pictured) is fighting for her life at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital after she was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire on Saturday morning
Police are pictured at the scene of an alleged attack in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane
The man is charged with attempted murder, common assault and other criminal offenses.
Neighbors said they heard arguing from Ms Otton-Rakuraku’s home the night before the alleged attack.
Queensland Police said it will look into any previous incidents between the pair as part of the investigation.
“All aspects of the police response will be examined in detail as part of the investigation to ensure we have a full picture of what happened,” a police spokesman said. Courier mail.
“This includes any calls for services and the relationship between the parties.”
Police have arrested a man after a woman was set on fire in Queensland (photo, forensic police on scene)
Family friend Monique Kidd has one GoFundMe for Mrs. Oton-Rakuraku’s relatives, who had raised more than $15,000 by Sunday evening.
Ms. Kidd wrote that Ms. Otton-Rakuraku “is a counselor with a natural heart for giving who did not deserve what happened to her.
‘She works multiple jobs and is also studying, and strives hard to achieve something.’
She added that the family is going through “a living nightmare” and “excruciating pain.”
Prime Minister David Crisafulli said the latest alleged domestic violence attack has shocked the state.
“I want Queenslanders to know the sadness the state has experienced and how much the state is thinking of the young women involved,” Crisafulli said.
“For her family, for the neighbours, for the first responders, for every Queenslander – these are the kind of incidents that rock communities.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”
Minister for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Amanda Camm backed what Mr Crisafulli said.
“I would also like to pass on my thoughts and best wishes to the young woman who we understand remains in a serious condition and that her condition will evolve over the coming days, but her life will be forever changed,” Ms Camm said .
“Every Queenslander has the right to feel safe in their own home, but too many people live in fear behind closed doors for too long.”
The suspect will appear at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday.