Sahar Mourad
Legal

Video shows Rowan Baxter purchasing killing tools

A video showing Rowan Baxter purchasing the tools he would use to kill Hannah Clarke and their three children has played in court.

CCTV showed Baxter at a local Brisbane Bunnings store buying zip ties, cleaning fluid and fuel at about 6 pm on February 17, 2020, just two days before the horrific murder.

Wearing a black singlet and shorts, Baxter also appeared to wander around before paying for the items.

Later that afternoon, Baxter called a men’s support helpline where he said he was the victim.

"My wife, to be honest, it's almost like a game to put her in a better position for family court," he was heard saying, Nine News reported.

"I'm not the one who has the problem. I'm just doing what I'm told.

"I never even thought my wife was capable of doing anything like this."

On 19 February, 2020, before Baxter set alight to the family car with Ms Clarke and their three children - Aaliyah, Laianah, and Trey - he was seen at a Caltex petrol station purchasing 4.6L of fuel and three Kinder Surprises.

Ms Clarke was taking her three children to school when Baxter doused them with fuel.

The three children died at the scene while Ms Clarke was taken to hospital. Baxter later stabbed himself with a knife and died.

Ms Clarke suffered burns to 97 per cent of her body and, despite her injuries, was able to give police three statements about what happened.

The inquest continues.

Image: CCTV footage

Tags:
Hannah Clarke, Rowan Baxter, inquest, legal, Brisbane