A tragic event shocked the Ipswich community when a 70-year-old woman was brutally killed during an alleged carjacking. The victim, identified as Vyleen White, was fatally stabbed in front of her granddaughter and witnesses at a car park in Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre.
The assailant is a 16-year-old boy who attacked Ms White in a senseless act of violence by stabbing her in the chest. According to witnesses, the attack occurred suddenly and without provocation.
Days after the incident, the community’s immediate legal action and manhunt for the justice of Ms White’s bereaved family whilst Commissioner Katarina Caroll took to a conference. The authorities urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with their inquiries.
“If anyone thinks that they are going to escape this – they will not escape this – we will not escape this – we will hunt these people down until we bring them to justice to be held accountable for what they have done,” Ms Caroll said.
Following this, the locals of the community extended their condolences to the late grandmother by placing flowers inside the shopping centre where her life was brutally taken. A family friend, Katherine Lameree, also organized a GoFundMe to support Ms White’s family.
As the investigations progressed, Queensland Police called for public assistance in the hunt for the suspect. The community responded with valuable information, leading to a breakthrough in the case.
The police revealed footage of the teenagers who allegedly left Ms White’s car after stabbing her to death that was found in Springfield Lakes.
Police arrested the teenager in his home at Bellbird Park. He was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, stealing, and the murder of Ms White.
Four of his companions, ages 15 and 16, were also charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The arrests brought closure to the grieving family and provided a sense of justice for the Ipswich community. The Ipswich police department commended the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the community in resolving the case.
Published 8-April-2024