Clarke family murders

Clarke family murders
LocationCamp Hill, Queensland, Australia
Date19 February 2020; 4 years ago (2020-02-19)
Attack type
Arson, murder–suicide
WeaponPetrol
Deaths5 (including the perpetrator)
VictimsHannah Clarke (31)
Aaliyah Clarke (6)
Laianah Clarke (4)
Trey Clarke (3)
PerpetratorRowan Baxter
MotiveDomestic violence

On 19 February 2020, Rowan Baxter perpetrated a quadruple murder–suicide in Camp Hill, Queensland, Australia. Baxter fatally burned his 31-year-old estranged wife Hannah Clarke and their three children, Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey, before dying by suicide at the scene. The murders sparked a national debate about domestic violence in Australia,[1][2][3] after reports emerged that Baxter had a history of violence and alleged misogyny[4][5][6] and had been subjected to a domestic violence order (DVO) as well as child custody orders as recently as the month of the murders.

  1. ^ "I survived my abuser. But Hannah Clarke's murder is a reminder that many women aren't so lucky". ABC Australia. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  2. ^ "Murder of Hannah Clarke and kids prompts 'incredible surge' in men seeking to stop domestic violence". SBS. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  3. ^ Buiten, Denise (25 February 2020). "Why do men kill their families? Here's what the research says". The Conversation. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  4. ^ "'We are a nation in pain': Tears and anger at Brisbane vigil for Hannah Clarke and her three children". SBS. 24 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  5. ^ Brown, Lee (23 February 2020). "Killer dad Rowan Baxter who torched wife, 3 kids, was misogynist cheater". New York Post. Retrieved 25 February 2020.
  6. ^ "Killer Rowan Baxter 'hated women', cousin says". Yahoo Australia. 23 February 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2020.