Gold Coast rugby league player charged with murder after brother set alight
A former Gold Coast rugby league player has been charged with murdering his brother in a horrifying attack in their Nerang home.
Ethan Clarke is accused of setting fire to his older sibling, Reece.
It's alleged the 26-year-old had been doused in petrol on the deck of his family's home and set alight by his younger brother.
“The burns were probably as bad as you could get burns to someone,” Senior Sergeant Mark Proctor said.
“They were horrific,” he continued.
While attempting to save his son his father’s hands were severely burned.
As Reece was transported to hospital the hunt for his younger brother began.
The alleged killer was tracked from Bushmead St to Brisbane and was arrested four hours after the horrifying attack.
22-year-old Ethan Clarke has since been charged with murder.
By mid-morning neighbours in the quiet Nerang street had received the horrific news.
In the street the family is well-liked and well-known.
“We knew them as little tikes, growing up, around the street, my daughter knows them knows the boys," one stunned street resident said.
The alleged murderer is due to front Southport Magistrates Court on Monday.
