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'Prostitutes and cleaners': Rowan Baxter's cousin details his 'hatred of women'

The cousin of a Brisbane man who killed his estranged wife and their three children has claimed he hated women.

Rowan Baxter killed his estranged wife Hannah Clarke, 31, and her three kids Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, on Wednesday morning in Camp Hill.

It’s believed Baxter doused them in petrol and set them alight. He then took his own life.

Baxter’s actions are being treated as murder.

The killer’s cousin Sandra Taylor told Nine News on Saturday that Baxter had a skewed view of women.

“Not that I’m saying Rowan is a victim, but Rowan has been raised by a father and his father and his father — and it goes onwards — that women are two things: to be the house cleaner and to be a prostitute,” she told the program.

Hannah Clarke, 31, and her three kids Aaliyah, 6, Laianah, 4, and Trey, 3, are pictured.
Hannah Clarke, 31, with her three kids. None of them survived Rowan Baxter's attack. Source: Facebook

Ms Taylor said she once offered support to Ms Clarke, drawing the fury of Baxter, who she claims spread dog faeces all over her yard in response.

She added she never had a stray dog on her property.

Baxter’s cousin said he had a history of threatening behaviour. On one occasion he let Trey play with cut up photos of Ms Clarke in the car as she approached.

She also claims he would “continually” walk past her store in the shopping centre - the same one where Ms Clarke worked.

A burnt car sits destroyed on a Camp Hill street as police investigate it.
The Clarke family's car. Source: 7News

‘We feel so guilty’

Ms Taylor isn’t the only member of Baxter’s family ashamed by his actions.

The Australian spoke with two of Baxter’s family members who revisited the scene at Camp Hill.

“We’re related to Rowan,” a man told the paper.

“We feel so guilty, just knowing him.”

Suzanne, Ms Clarke’s mum, told A Current Affair on Friday throughout the couple’s relationship “it was Rowan’s way or the highway”.

"He was evil,” she said.

Rowan Baxter pictured in a New Zealand Warriors kit.
Rowan Baxter pictured in 2005. Source: AAP

Baxter’s controlling nature has also been referenced by a source who spoke about his custody proceedings saying he turned down a reasonable offer of access to the children.

Sandra Taylor is pictured.
Sandra Taylor, the cousin of Rowan Baxter, said he hated women. Source: Nine News

Vigil set to remember Clarke family

A vigil will be held in memory of the Clarke children and their mother.

The vigil is set to be held at 5pm on Sunday at Bill Hewitt Reserve in Camp Hill, while Brisbane's Story Bridge, Victoria Bridge and City Hall will all be lit up pink to honour the late family.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner told The Courier Mail a large crowd was expected to gather at the park.

"I think it will be a wonderful celebration of Hannah and the children's lives," he said.

"There are so many negative things that could be focused on but she was a beautiful person with beautiful children, from a beautiful family."

A man kneels near a memorial for the Clarke family in Camp Hill.
A memorial for the Clarke family sits in Camp Hill. Source: Nine News

On Saturday, Ms Clarke's family posted a thank you message for public support as donations on a Facebook fundraiser for the family soared past $206,000.

"It is the most beautiful thing to see so many people offering donations and such kind messages - It has given the family hope for change and touched their hearts to know so many care," Ms Clarke’s sister-in-law Stacey Roberts said.

- with AAP

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

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