ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Brisbane dad sets family car alight killing his estrange wife and kids, police allege

He's been described as a 'heartless monster' - by Kathryn Lewsey
  • 20 Feb 2020

A Brisbane mother and her three children have been burned to death after her estranged husband set them alight in the family car.

Rowan Charles Baxter, 42, killed his three kids - Aaliyah, six, Laianah, four and Trey, three – who all died inside the car.

Rowan Charles Baxter, 42, killed his three kids - Aaliyah, six, Laianah, four and Trey, three – who all died inside the car.

Mr Baxter’s estranged wife, Hannah Baxter, 31, was pulled alive from the driver’s seat of the car but died hours later in hospital.

ABC reported how Mr Baxter – who was a former Warriors rugby league player – allegedly poured petrol on the family during a routine school run on Camp Hill street at around 8.30am on Wednesday (19 February).

Police say that he was in the front passenger seat but escaped from the burning vehicle and died shortly after from a self-inflicted stab.

It’s believed he was waiting near his in-laws’ home until Hannah emerged with the children.

The car was driven a short way before it came engulfed in flames.

Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey Baxter set alight by dad Rowan Baxter

Aaliyah (left), six, Trey (centre), three and Laianah (right), four

Facebook

According to the Daily Mail, the couple broke up last year after more than a decade together. Ms Baxter had moved to her parents while the pair were locked in a custody battle.

Tributes came pouring in for the late Ms Baxter, with friend Caitlin Langford telling the ABC, she was ‘just the most beautiful woman.  She was kind, and strong, and lit up any room.

‘She was the most beautiful mama to her babies and the most inspirational role model.’

Ms Baxter’s brother Nataniel Clarke shared an emotional Instagram post, writing, ‘Yesterday I had my sister, nephew and two nieces taken from me in the worst way possible by a heartless monster they called their dad.

‘Everyone who has been lucky enough to be a part of their lives would know just how sweet and loving these kids and my sister really were.

Rowan Baxter with children Aaliyah, Lainah and Trey

Rowan Baxter with his three children

Facebook

‘The last thing my sister said to my wife was “I’m so excited this year will be great.”’

Family members say that Ms Baxter had left Mr Baxter due to ongoing abuse.

Mr Clarke’s wife Stacey set up a Facebook fundraiser to help cover funeral costs and said Ms Baxter’s parents had ‘exhausted themselves to try and help Hannah escape this monster.’

Hannah and Rowan Baxter
Facebook

She wrote, ‘For those who knew Hannah or had even just met her once would know how much of a beautiful soul she was, her children were her life.

‘All she wanted was happiness. Her children were only a reflection of her. Gorgeous happy kids who held a massive piece in my heart and I’m sure many others because that’s exactly what they were like.’

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide call Lifeline (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

For help support with domestic abuse, visit 1800Respect or call 1800 737 732. 

  • News
  • Real Life
Kathryn Lewsey
Kathryn Lewsey
Kathryn is a Senior Features Writer for that's life! magazine. Her work has been published in The Sun, Daily Mail, Chat, Closer, Kidspot, Real People, Take a Break and MarieClaire.com.au

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

I'm a Waste Warrior

I'm a Waste Warrior

Holly the heart hero

Holly the heart hero

30-year heartbreak  - who killed Kerry Turner?

30-year heartbreak - who killed Kerry Turner?

My runny nose was cancer

My runny nose was cancer

{headline}

{headline}

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

My husband forgot we were married

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

{headline}

{headline}

How chalk found me love!

How chalk found me love!

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

I became an ice addict at 40 - now I help others

I became an ice addict at 40 - now I help others

There was no room for my boy's brain

There was no room for my boy's brain

Aussie Dad's mission - I had two months to save my girl's life

Aussie Dad's mission - I had two months to save my girl's life

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • Hard to Find
  • Australian Women's Weekly
© 2023 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission. Are Media and its brands may have generated text partially using generative AI. Upon generating draft language, our editors review, edit, and revise it to their own liking. We take ultimate responsibility for the content of our publications.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!