Vyleen White murder: David Crisafulli vows to review sentence as broken family speak out after sentencing

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has vowed to review the sentence handed down over the murder of beloved grandmother Vyleen White, after her teen killer was sentenced to just 16 years behind bars, something he won’t need to fully serve.

The teen, who was 16 years old when he violently stabbed the 70-year-old grandmother to death in a car park in front of her grandchild, could walk free in 2033 due to time already served and special conditions, including his age and guilty plea.

The murderer, who cannot be named due to legal reasons, was 16 when he killed White in February 2024.

Community outrage erupted after the teen’s sentencing, which was handed down under previous laws that were in place before “adult time for serious crime” was introduced in Queensland.

Cindy Micallef, White’s daughter, said sadly, the laws are what they are.

“Unfortunately, with the current... with the sentencing laws under the previous government, this is what we’ve had to work with,” she told Sunrise on Friday.

“Unfortunately, that’s how it is.

“We’ve just got to try and work out the aftermath of this horrific experience.”

Liberal Premier Mr Crisafulli says he will speak to his attorney general to see if an appeal on the teen’s sentence could go ahead in the hope of securing a harsher punishment for the teen murderer.

Ms Micallef gave credit to the Queensland Premier, calling him a friend, saying if he said he would look into the sentence, he would, however, she doubted if any punishment was enough.

“He’s a man of his word,” Ms Micallef said.

“They will weigh up all factors.

“You know, it’s just - is there anything ever enough for taking someone’s life in front of a child?

“You know, when the judge was passing down her sentence, she was quite emotional.

“We know everything was done within the powers that were.”

Ms Micallef said her family struggle daily after the violent murder of White.

“Where do we go from here? Just trying to make sense of it all and we can try and start to grieve. It’s just... It’s decimated our family.”

“Every member of our family.

“Not just dad (and) the grand kids,

“My daughters struggle to function and work.

Ms Micallef said Australia needed to step up to secure tougher laws for serious offenders.

“Everyone needs to step up. I mean, Queensland’s doing what it can. But Australia needs to get behind these laws and toughen up. Victims should come first.”

In a statement, the Queensland Premier said: “It’s not acceptable and nothing ever will be for them - and justifiably.”