Woman Fights for Life After Ex-Partner’s Alleged Attack
A shocking incident in Brisbane has left a New Zealand woman, Destiny Otton-Rakuraku, 34, fighting for her life after her ex-partner allegedly set her on fire.
The mother of two teenage boys suffered severe burns on Saturday morning at her home in Kingston, 28km south of Brisbane.
A Family’s Nightmare
Otton-Rakuraku’s cousin, Blake Timu, described the condition she’s in as “just inhumane and terrifying to see her almost lifeless.”
The family is rallying around her, with Timu saying, “She’s such a strong soul…
She’ll be in a long journey of recovery and we’ll be right there by her side with her babies through it all.”
The family is urging anyone going through a similar experience to reach out to their loved ones, emphasizing that “no one should ever go through such a traumatising experience.”
The Attack and Aftermath
According to reports, Otton-Rakuraku suffered extensive burns to 50% of her body and has undergone one surgery so far.
She remains in an induced coma at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Her mother, Alison Rakuraku, is devastated by the violence and is focused on her daughter’s recovery, saying, “She’s strong. We will just be strong for our girl.”
The Accused and the Investigation
The alleged attacker, Renata Edward Manning, 36, has been charged with attempted murder, common assault, and other offenses connected to the incident.
He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody, with the case adjourned until March 12.
A GoFundMe appeal has raised over A$25,000 to support Otton-Rakuraku’s family during her recovery.
A Community Rallies Around the Family
As the family navigates this difficult time, they are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to local authorities or support services for help.
Destiny Otton-Rakuraku’s story is a tragic reminder of the importance of seeking help and supporting those affected by domestic violence.