Thousands raised for Kelly Wilkinson's family

More than $115,000 has been raised for the children of a young Gold Coast mother who was allegedly murdered by her estranged partner this week.

Kelly Wilkinson, a 27-year-old mother-of-three, was found with burns to her body in the backyard of a home in Arundel on Tuesday morning.

Her ex-partner Brian Johnston, 34, has been charged with her murder.

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Thousands of people devastated by the mother's horrific and senseless death – many complete strangers to the family - have donated to an online fundraising page set up to pay for funeral costs and the childrens' schooling.

"I am heartbroken and disgusted and angry this has happened,' one woman wrote on the page. "I am lost for words. I hope this small donation can help her beautiful children and family."

"Kelly always lit up the room with her smile and always had us laughing," Rachel Walshe wrote. "Every memory with Kelly brings a smile to my face. Kelly, you will be missed so dearly, we will never forget you."

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It could take nine months before pathologists are able to determine the full extent of Ms Wilkinson's injuries.

Neighbours reported hearing screams and the sound of an explosion about 6.40am.

Officers allege Mr Johnston fled down Spikes Court, ran 250 metres along a busy road and headed up a hill to a different backyard.

"He turned up in the bushes in the house next door to me – his left arm was heavily bandaged," one neighbour told 9News.

"(A passer-by) saw the fella and asked you know, 'are you okay mate?' He made some remark like, 'I'm fine', but he had his head down," the neighbour said.

Paramedics treated Mr Johnston for burns before he was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

He has been charged with murder.

The matter won't be heard in court again until June 4, in the domestic violence court at Southport.

Mr Johnston's lawyer Chris Hannay said his client was "in a pretty bad way".

"I've been told his injuries are fairly substantial in relation to burns," Mr Hannay said.

Mr Hannay said he had met with Mr Johnston in the days before Ms Wilkinson's death.

He said Mr Johnston was "pretty coherent" and took "suitable instructions" about a "whole lot of things" in relation to domestic violence issues.

"Obviously no one expected this to happen," Mr Hannay said.

Ms Wilkinson's death came less than two months after her mother died suddenly at age 55.

If you need help or support, contact the National Domestic Violence Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).