Vyleen White: Teenager pleads guilty to Queensland grandmother’s horrific shopping centre murder
A 17-year-old boy has admitted to murdering a 70-year-old grandmother during a carjacking at a shopping centre car park in Brisbane’s southwest.
Vyleen White died after she was stabbed in the chest at an underground car park in Redbank Plains near Ipswich in February last year.
Her Hyundai Getz was taken in the attack and later found abandoned close by.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The accused, who was 16 at the time, was arrested two days after the incident, along with four other teenagers. The co-accused were each charged with lesser offences, including the unlawful use of a vehicle.
On Tuesday, the teenager, now nearing his 18th birthday, appeared before Brisbane Magistrates Court for arraignment.
He entered a guilty plea to Ms White’s murder, as her family watched proceedings from the public gallery, the Courier Mail reported.
He also admitted to unrelated stealing charges in the same court appearance.
The boy has remained in custody since his arrest. A sentencing date has been set for November 12.
Ms White’s death helped inspire youth justice reforms, with Queensland’s Liberal National Government introducing controversial “adult time, adult crime” laws after winning the 2024 election.
Tough youth justice laws ushered in by the LNP ensure juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
- With AAP
