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The teenager accused of murdering a Queensland grandmother in a shopping centre car park has been indicted in the Supreme Court.
Vyleen Joan White died after she was stabbed in the chest at Redbank Plains, west of Brisbane, on February 3, 2024.
A teenager was arrested two days after the attack in nearby suburb Bellbird Park.
Ipswich grandmother Vyleen White was fatally stabbed in February 2024.Credit: Nine News
He was charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing, with police alleging the 16-year-old had attacked the woman while stealing her Hyundai hatchback.
The teenager was indicted on Wednesday morning in the Supreme Court in Brisbane, with Justice Peter Callaghan agreeing to an arraignment for July 22.
He also faced charges of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.
White’s family told reporters she was “the most loving, compassionate and caring person you could ever meet”.Credit: Nine News
The teenager, who cannot be named under Youth Justice laws, remained in custody, and did not appear for the proceeding.
He had not formally entered a plea, with the case adjourned to later in July.
The court heard additional security could be needed for the case.
White’s death had significant political implications, prompting the then-Labor state government to change bail laws for children and later serving as a key justification for the LNP’s “adult crime, adult time” legislation during the 2024 election.
The teenager was committed for trial earlier this year.
After a previous court hearing, the accused’s lawyer Farshad Sarabi told reporters his client was “absolutely remorseful”.
“He regrets this,” Sarabi said.
“It’s just really sad for everyone, and I especially feel for the families ... of course [my client] knows the gravity of the situation.”
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