Brendan Sokaluk: Social Networking Names Alleged Arsonists, Relationship Problems Suggested as Motivation

The man alleged to have lit some of the deadliest fires in Australian history has been named for the first time

Brendan Sokaluk is alleged to have lit at least one fire that resulted in what the Australian Prime Minister described simply as "mass murder."

The revealing of his identity came after a lawyer representing Media outlets convinced a court that his name should be made public due to a group of "Facebook vigilantes" posting Brendan Solaluk's name and picture on the social networking site.

At least four Facebook groups have been created to name and shame the alleged arsonist, and thousands of Facebook users have joined them. Membership is growing rapidly as word spreads.

A group on Facebook "make it know Brendan Sokaluk is the man who was arrested for arson" first appeared on February 13, set up by users Yvette Langstaff.
Screen grab of Facebook group, "make it known Brendan Sokaluk is the man who was arrested for arson"

Its not known how they managed to obtain his identity, but an investigation into proceedings at the Victorian Magistrates Court by the users is believed to have occurred.

On those grounds Australian mainstream media were then able to publish Brendans Sokaluk's name, which had previously been gagged due to concerns about Sokaluk's safety.

Many people affected by the fires have logged into the groups to vent their anger, and scores have made threats against the alleged arsonist's life, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on it's web site.

Links to Sokaluk's profiles on MySpace and MyYearBook were widely circulated.

Brendan Sokaluk faces charges including arson causing death, he failed to appear in court today Melbourne time, he was remanded in custody until a committal hearing, which will be held on May 26, local media said.

On Brendan Sokaluk's Myspace page, the 39-year-old described himself as a "young happy male" who wants to meet a woman and get married.

"My interest are to enjoy life to the fallest (sic) and not with ........ because she roots behind your back and lies a lot," he wrote. He lists "mother earth" as his hero because "without her we all would be dead".

Some reports suggested Sokaluk may have been motivated by the breakup with his ex-girlfreind, a volunteer firefighter by the name of Alexandra, Inquisitr.com said. The web site obtained a photo of the 31-year-old woman.


At lest 21 people died in the fire Brendan Sokaluk was alleged to have lit in the area of Gippsland in Victoria state.

Brendan Sokaluk was a one-time volunteer member of a country fire brigade, whose members cheated death fighting the bushfire. He joined the local Country Fire Authority brigade in the 1980s, The Australian newspaper reported.

There are now some suggestions by media commentators that any trail of Brendan Sokaluk could be in jeopardy due to the speculation and rumours on social networking sites like Facebook.

That Mr Sokaluk is an as-yet innocent man appears to be completely forgotten by millions of people. No doubt, now his name has been released, his family, friends and neighbours and he will be harassed and badgered for months even years to come," wrote Greg Barns on blog Crickey.com.au

News Bizarre updated as information comes to hand....