It could take nine months before pathologists are able to determine the full extent of allegedly murdered Gold Coast woman Kelly Wilkinson's injuries.

The young mother, 27, was found with burns to her body in the backyard of a home in Arundel yesterday morning.

Neighbours reported hearing screams and the sound of an explosion about 6.40am.

READ MORE: Man charged after young mother's burned body found in yard

Her estranged partner Brian Johnston, 34, has since been charged with her murder.

He remains in a serious condition after being found a few blocks away in a semi-conscious state, with burns to his body.

Mr Johnston's lawyer Chris Hannay today said his client was "in a pretty bad way".

"I've been told his injuries are fairly substantial in relation to burns," Mr Hannay said.

"I've been told he's at the Princess Alexandra Hospital."

Mr Hannay said he had met with Mr Johnston in the days before Ms Wilkinson's death.

He said Mr Johnston was "pretty coherent" and took "suitable instructions" about a "whole lot of things" in relation to domestic violence issues.

"Obviously no one expected this to happen," Mr Hannay said.

The matter won't be heard in court again until June 4, in the domestic violence court at Southport.

Neighbours told police they saw a man run from the scene injured and bloodied.

"He turned up in the bushes in the house next door to me – his left arm was heavily bandaged," one neighbour told 9News.

"(A passerby) saw the fella and asked you know, 'are you okay mate?' He made some remark like, 'I'm fine', but he had his head down."

A fundraiser launched to pay for Ms Wilkinson's funeral and the schooling of her three children has raised $65,000 in less than 24 hours.

Ms Wilkinson's death came less than two months after her mother died suddenly at age 55.

If you need help or support, contact the National Domestic Violence Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).