Vyleen White’s heartbroken family speak out following her tragic death

The devastated family of 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White who was allegedly stabbed to death while shopping with her granddaughter has spoken out about their loss.

Ms White had been shopping with her six-year-old granddaughter at Town Square Redbank Plains shopping centre, on Saturday, February 3 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 but no doubt forever scarred by the traumatic event.

As her family grapples with the profound loss, Vyleen’s husband of nearly 50 years, Victor, expressed his grief and disbelief, recounting the moment he learned of his wife’s tragic fate.

“All I knew, she went to (the) shop to get a few quick items and sitting here, hearing all police sirens going on and not long after, I get the knock on (the) door saying she was gone,” he told A Current Affair.

Devastated by the senseless act, Victor is now calling for justice, “for the memory of Vyleen”.

Expressing frustration with the current state of the law, Victor urged politicians to take action.

“People want action and harsher laws for crimes they are committing,” he said

“For several years (politicians) have been promising a lot, a lot of rubbish talk to the public out there and nothing happens.

“All you hear is increase of violence, car stealing… This is due to slackness in the law.

“The law is weak as water.”

Vyleen’s oldest daughter, Cindy Micallef, echoed her father’s sentiments, emphasising the urgency of addressing youth crime.

“Youth crime, I hate to say it, it’s like having a koala, it’s a protected species, there’s no action,” she said.

Determined to honour Vyleen’s memory, Cindy reflected on her mother’s selflessness and kindness

“Mum would do anything for anybody, she would literally move heaven and earth for us,” Cindy said.

“She just had a love for people, immense love for her family and just her love for God and Jesus was just… what kept us all alive.

“Whatever I can do to make a difference for mum, that’s my mission.”

Following the tragic incident, 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.”