Australia bid farewell to a murdered mum and her three children at a funeral service recently.
According to media reports, all four victims were inside one coffin. It arrived draped in brightly toned flowers. Meanwhile, hundreds of mourners gather to say their final goodbyes to a family whose murder shook the nation.
Hannah Clarke was murdered with her three innocent kids. And the killer was none other than the husband and father himself, Rowan Baxter. Undoubtedly, it was one of the most horrific murder-suicides to take place in Australia. The news came out from Camp Hill, which is situated in the east of Brisbane, on February 19th.
Hundreds of citizens gathered at Citipointe Church, located in Carindale for the tragic funeral. Here are the exclusive updates on the shocking high-profile case that keeps sending chills down loved ones’ backs.
Murdered mum with her 3 kids laid to rest
It what many people call a final display of togetherness, a murdered mum was buried with her 3 kids in a single coffin recently. Loved ones and mourners watched in grief as Hannah Clarke and her children arrived for their funeral service in Australia.
The 31-year-old mum accompanied her 6-year-old daughter Aaliyah, 4-year-old daughter Laianah, and 3-year-old son Trey. Moreover, they were all laid to rest after Hannah’s estranged husband, Rowan Baxter, covered the family car in petrol. As a result of his heinous crime, the entire family burned to death, killing them all instantaneously.
Media reports confirmed how the unbelievably tragic incident took place three weeks ago, plunging the whole nation into grief.
Mourners gather for final respects
On a Monday morning, mourners gathered in hundreds as news broke out about the funeral.point 333 |
While the crowd included loved ones and family members, it also had those who didn’t know the family at all.point 95 | However, they chose to arrive because they were heartbroken by a large number of senseless deaths.point 178 | 1
In the same way, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison joined the crowd of mourners too. Likewise, media reports suggested how Queensland’s premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, also made her way forward to pay respects.
Other than that, you could find Police commissioner Katarina Carroll too as a part of the audience.point 193 | Mourners each received a memorial bookmark, handed out by loved ones.point 252 |
It read, ‘Forever in our hearts.point 33 | ’ Also, it went on explaining how many will miss the innocent lives forever.point 102 | Many would now treasure their memories, for years to come.point 151 | 1
A loss beyond words
From the service’s start, renowned celebrant Fiona Cunningham explained the great meaning attached to the pink flowers on the shared coffin. It carried the murdered mum and her kids. She went on describing how pink showed that, ‘As in life, they continue to be together as one.’
Meanwhile, Hannah’s brother went on delivering a heartfelt eulogy, where he remembered his sister with the highest regard. “She is one of the greatest mums to walk this earth,” he explained emotionally.
“I love you, ever since you were born, he explained to the audience.” And in the end. he concluded with a heartfelt apology. He said sorry that he couldn’t protect his own sister and her kids.
Baxter ambushed the vehicle carrying his family, as Hannah prepared to drive her kids to school. While the children died immediately, Hannah managed to free herself from the fire. However, she tragically died from her burns, moments later at the hospital. Then, Baxter killed himself at the scene by committing suicide with a knife.
Today, Australia mourns at the senseless loss of life. This was one loving family and they deserved so much better. Now, it’s a pain that they will live with for the rest of eternity.
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