A third suspect has been charged with the murder of Zdravko Bilic, a well-regarded husband and community member who was fatally stabbed during an apparent break-in at his Sunshine Coast home on July 14. Bilic, 57, was discovered by a neighbour with multiple stab wounds in his front yard.
Following the incident, two boys aged 15 and 17 were arrested and charged with his murder. On Tuesday, police apprehended 18-year-old Keiysha Jade Sky in Toowoomba, located nearly three hours from the crime scene. She has been charged not only with murder but also with assault occasioning bodily harm, armed robbery, and multiple counts of motor vehicle theft and burglary.
In her initial court appearance at Toowoomba Magistrates Court, Sky was not required to attend, as her murder charge was mentioned for the first time. Her lawyer, Brad Skuse, requested that the case be moved to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast for further proceedings.
Bilic, a junior soccer coach and beloved figure in the Warana community, was found dead at the beachside house he shared with his wife, Gry Tomte. At the time of the incident, Tomte was away from home and, concerned for her husband’s well-being, had asked a neighbour to check on him. His tragic death shocked the local community, which has since shown immense support for Tomte.
In a statement released through Queensland Police, Tomte expressed her profound grief, stating that Bilic was adored by many and often referred to as “literal sunshine.” She lamented the loss, declaring the world is “a little less bright” without him.
Authorities allege that Bilic was stabbed during a confrontation with intruders who allegedly entered the home in the early hours of July 13. Sky has been remanded in custody, with her next court mention scheduled for September 29 at Maroochydore Magistrates Court. In the meantime, prosecutors are required to provide a brief of evidence by September 3.
The two young co-accused, who are juveniles, are also in custody, with a committal mention due on September 10. If found guilty, the boys face mandatory life sentences under Queensland’s stringent “adult crime, adult time” laws, which are set to take effect in late 2024.