In a heartbreaking case that has rocked Queensland, a 16-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the murder of 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen Joan White in a violent carjacking attempt at a Redbank Plains shopping centre.
The tragic incident, which unfolded in the underground carpark of Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre on February 3, 2024, has left a family shattered and sparked widespread community outrage.
Appearing in Brisbane’s Supreme Court on Tuesday, the teenager, whose identity is protected under the Youth Justice Act, stood tall in prison greens as he faced Justice Lincoln Crowley.
Vyleen White’s family, including her grieving husband Victor and daughter Julie, looked on as the teen entered guilty pleas to multiple charges, including murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and three counts of stealing. The stealing charges relate to thefts at a McDonald’s, a Liquorland, and a 7/11 store in Bellbird Park on the same day as the killing.
The court heard that Ms. White, a former religious instruction teacher known for her warmth and kindness, was fatally stabbed around 6:10pm while near her 2009 Hyundai Getz hatchback. Her vehicle was later found abandoned roughly 20 minutes from the scene. The senseless violence of the attack, carried out in an attempt to steal her car, has left an indelible mark on her loved ones and the wider community.
When asked if he wished to say anything in response to the charges, the teenager simply replied, “No, Your Honour.” Justice Crowley ordered a presentence report to be prepared under the Youth Justice Act, with sentencing scheduled for November 12, 2025. The teen remains in custody.
Outside the court, Ms. White’s family expressed their anguish. Victor White, struggling with the loss of his wife, said, “Lucky I’m not the judge. My thought all the time was a life for a life.”
His daughter Julie, who came face-to-face with her mother’s killer for the first time, described the experience as deeply unsettling. “All I could think was, what on earth did my mum think in that moment? I couldn’t imagine,” she said. “Those final moments, I wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
The tragedy has also fuelled significant legislative change. Ms. White’s death became a catalyst for Queensland’s Liberal National government to introduce tough new youth justice laws following their 2024 election win. Dubbed “adult time, adult crime,” these reforms ensure juveniles face adult sentences for serious offences, including murder, with over 30 crimes now covered under the legislation.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved grandmother, the case underscores the devastating impact of youth crime and the ongoing debate about how to balance justice with rehabilitation for young offenders. For now, Vyleen White’s family awaits the November sentencing, hoping for closure in a case that has left them forever changed
It’s not justice for the family unless he is sentenced as an adult. It’s an adult crime. At 16 years old, you should know better. No excuse for such a horrible act. Imagine all the lives affected by this one dreadful 16-year-old.