Teenager charged with murder after the alleged stabbing of grandmother Vyleen White

Detectives investigating the death of 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White at Redbank Plains on Saturday, February 3, have charged a 16-year-old boy with murder.

Ms White had been shopping with her six-year-old granddaughter at Town Square Redbank Plains shopping centre, west of Brisbane when she was allegedly stabbed in the chest in the centre’s car park.

She died at the scene a short time later. The girl was unharmed.

Following the tragic incident, Operation Whisky Cause was established by police, and following extensive investigations, Ipswich detectives located and arrested a 16-year-old Bellbird Park boy at a unit complex in Bellbird Park around 2.45pm on Monday, February 5.

He has been charged with one count each of murder and unlawful use of motor vehicle, and three counts of stealing. He is due to appear at Ipswich Childrens Court on Tuesday, February 6.

In addition, a 16-year-old Goodna boy was also located and arrested in Riverview around 11am on Monday, February 5.

He has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and is expected to appear at Richlands Childrens Court on Tuesday, February 6.

Another 16-year-old boy from Bellbird Park was located and arrested by police shortly before 3pm on Monday, February 5.

He has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and is expected to appear at Beenleigh Childrens Court on February 6.

A 15-year-old Bellbird Park boy was also arrested at Redbank Plains shortly before 3pm on Monday, February 5.

He has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possess tainted property, and is due to appear at Brisbane Children’s Court on February 6.

These charges are in addition to the 15-year-old Ripley boy arrested and charged on Sunday, February 4.

Detectives investigating the death of a 70-year-old woman at Redbank Plains on Saturday, February 3, have overnight charged a 16-year-old boy with murder.https://t.co/mbEU872TGz pic.twitter.com/UcYbf9gIyE

— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) February 5, 2024

Police labelled the incident a “callous, cowardly, violent crime” on a loving, family woman.

“Sadly the motive was to steal a Hyundai Getz,” Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen revealed to reporters on Monday, February 6.

As the community works to comprehend the devastating loss, family friends initiated a GoFundMe campaign, garnering an overwhelming response with over $7,600 raised to date.

The funds aim not only to cover funeral expenses but also to highlight Ms. White’s enduring legacy within the community.

“They have lost a mother, grandmother, a wife and loved family member of their family,” the fundraiser page said.

“They are all so overwhelmed and so warm hearted by the community at such a difficult time.

“She was such a selfless woman – with so much care for her family and absolutely any one she came into contact with.

“She would hold prayers for anyone who needed them.

“This is what they want her to be remembered by and not defined by the act of someone else.”

Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.