A teenager has admitted guilt in the murder of a grandmother, an incident that ignited significant legal reforms. The 16-year-old was charged following the fatal stabbing of 70-year-old Vyleen Joan White during a suspected carjacking at a shopping centre in Redbank Plains, near Brisbane, in February 2024.
The tragic death of White influenced the introduction of youth justice reforms in Queensland, where the government, led by the Liberal National Party, enacted the contentious “adult time, adult crime” laws after their 2024 election victory. These new laws ensure that juveniles face adult penalties for over 30 different offences.
Authorities allege that White was murdered in the course of her car being stolen, specifically her 2009 Hyundai Getz. The boy, who hails from Bellbird Park, has been charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and three counts of theft. Due to legal constraints, his identity remains undisclosed.
In the Brisbane Supreme Court, the young offender pleaded guilty to all charges in front of the court. The atmosphere was restrained, with White’s family members expressing no audible reaction to the guilty pleas from the defendant, who appeared in court dressed in a green jumper and black trousers.
Prosecutor Chris Cook requested a pre-sentence report to be prepared by November 3, with sentencing scheduled for November 12. Defence barrister Matthew Hynes agreed to these timelines, while Justice Lincoln Crowley ordered that the teenager be held in custody until sentencing.