Event Brief
Sep 8, 2026 at 4:08 AM ET
Inquest to examine Russell Island house fire deaths
By The BriefBrief
An inquest will begin into the August 2023 Russell Island house fire that killed father Wayne Godinet Jr and his five sons. The 10-day hearing will hear from 16 witnesses, including fire experts and police, and will examine claims of domestic violence, non-compliant smoke alarms and the fire’s point of origin.
WHO: Coronial inquest; 16 witnesses including fire experts, police and Samantha Stephenson
WHAT: A coronial inquest is set to examine the circumstances of a house fire that killed a father and five boys, including claims of domestic violence and fire-safety issues.
WHEN: Reported Sep 8, 2026 at 4:08 AM ET
WHERE: Russell Island, south-east Queensland
WHY: The inquest is being held to determine whether domestic violence had anything to do with the house fire deaths, and to examine other factors including smoke alarms and the fire’s point of origin.
How this brief is built: The BriefBrief correlates multiple sources into one evolving event brief, updated as new facts emerge.
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