Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau dies five days after being shot at pub in Loganholme

A young woman who was critically injured when masked gunmen opened fire outside a packed boxing event in Loganholme has died.

Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, 19, from Jimboomba, was an innocent bystander when gunfire erupted outside Fitzy’s in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, about 8.15pm on Saturday.

“I regret to inform you that a 19-year-old woman from Jimboomba has passed away. She passed away this morning,” Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said on Thursday.

Vana-Reese was one of four people shot during a boxing event attended by more than 100 people, including families with young children.

Police allege a car pulled into the venue’s drop-off zone during an intermission before two men wearing balaclavas and gloves opened fire from the front passenger window.

Vana-Reese suffered gunshot wounds to her head and neck and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition.

The shooting sparked a major investigation, with detectives examining possible links to organised crime.

“This is now a homicide investigation,” Galpin said.

Police were keeping an “open mind” about possible gang involvement, but their priority was identifying those responsible and establishing why the shooting occurred.

“If that leads to the identification of gang members, their associates, or other forms of organised crime, then that will certainly expand the scope of our investigation,” he said.

The vehicle allegedly used in the attack was later found burnt out.

Vana-Reese’s family had launched a fundraiser to help ease the financial burden as they faced an uncertain future.

“It is with broken hearts that our whānau share this message about our beautiful Vana-Reese,” the family wrote.

“On Saturday, Vana-Reese was involved in a tragic incident that has deeply affected all who love her.”

The fundraiser described the teenager as deeply loved by her family and friends, with strong ties to the Logan community where she was born and raised.

“Police are in contact with the family,” Galpin said.

“They are not doing well. Incredibly difficult time for them. I can’t imagine the hurt that they’re going through.

“At this point in time, and on behalf of the QPS, I’d like to offer our condolences, our deepest condolences, to family and friends.

“We have not stopped and we will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody.”

Authorities have renewed their appeal for anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to ask our community to reflect on the fact, that a 19-year-old woman, in the prime of her life, who was simply going out for a night out with friends, has had her life taken from her in the most cowardly way,” Galpin said.

“Now, there is people out there, who know exactly who was involved in this offence and exactly why this occurred.

“I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information and contact police.”

“Two persons have been released from hospital, and a third person remains in hospital recovering from surgery.”