‘Part of me is gone’: Grief over teen’s murder of gran
Heartbreaking victim impact statements have been heard in court at a teenager’s sentencing over a grandmother’s fatal stabbing that sparked law reforms.
Source: AAP
The family of a grandmother killed in a stabbing that sparked landmark law reforms has broken down as they spoke of the horror attack’s impact.
Vyleen White was killed by a teenager in a February 2024 car jacking outside a shopping centre witnessed by a young girl, sending shockwaves through Queensland.
The 70-year-old’s death was a catalyst for the Queensland Liberal-National government’s controversial “adult crime, adult time” laws, ensuring juveniles face a potential life sentence for murder.
A teenage boy, now aged 17, on Wednesday faced sentencing in the Queensland Supreme Court after pleading guilty to murder over the horrific incident at Redbank Plains shopping centre, west of Brisbane.
The fatal stabbing occurred as the teenager stole White’s 2009 Hyundai Getz hatchback.
The teen appeared calm as Chief Justice Helen Bowskill heard heartbreaking victim impact statements in a court packed by White’s family and supporters.
White’s husband, who was in the gallery with his three daughters, expressed his anger over the “injustice” of his wife’s murder.
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“My wife and partner of 50 years is gone, and with her a part of me is gone,” Victor White said in a victim impact statement read by the prosecution.
White’s daughter Denise broke down as she spoke in court, describing how her life had changed since losing her “anchor”.
“The things that used to bring me joy … now they’re totally meaningless,” she said in her impact statement.
The LNP campaigned hard on youth crime following White’s death and introduced tough laws after winning the 2024 state election.
The changes mean juveniles face adult jail terms for serious offences, including life terms for murder.
But the laws are not retrospective, meaning White’s attacker could spend significantly less than 10 years behind bars.
Crown prosecutor Chris Cook pushed for the maximum available sentence, saying the teen’s offending was significantly aggravated as the murder was witnessed by a young girl.
“There was a lack of hesitation. [The teen] had other options for his aim of stealing car keys,” he said.
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Bowskill heard the boy, then 16, had been drinking vodka and committing “brazen thefts” of alcohol with other teens before the attack.
He was on bail for a violent armed robbery and admitted entering the shopping centre with the intent of stealing a car, the court was told.
“He had a black hoodie. He had a surgical mask. He was covering his face,” Cook said.
“He moved towards [White] and brandished his knife. He stabbed her. He didn’t hesitate.
“His motive was to get this car, to show off to his mates and potentially commit other crimes.”
Cook said the boy showed limited remorse and presented a lasting risk to the community.
But his barrister Matthew Hynes pushed for the killer to serve half of a 12-year sentence and be released before he turned 25 because the murder was not premeditated.
“He does need a long period of supervision in the community,” he said.
The teen also pleaded guilty to car theft and three counts of stealing.
Bowskill adjourned her sentencing decision to Thursday.
-with AAP
