Queensland teenager pleads guilty to murdering grandmother Vyleen White while trying to steal her vehicle
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- Vyleen White stabbed to death at a shopping centre
- Grieving family were in court for teen’s guilty plea
A teenager has pleaded guilty to murdering a grandmother in a shocking attack that sparked landmark law reforms.
The 16-year-old boy was charged after Vyleen Joan White, 70, was fatally stabbed in a suspected carjacking outside a Redbank Plains shopping centre, west of Brisbane, in February 2024.
Ms White’s death helped inspire youth justice reforms, with Queensland’s Liberal National government introducing controversial ‘adult time, adult crime’ laws after winning the 2024 election.
Tough youth justice laws ushered in by the LNP ensure juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences.
Police alleged Ms White was killed during the theft of her 2009 model Hyundai Getz hatchback.
The 16-year-old from the nearby suburb of Bellbird Park was charged with murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle plus three counts of stealing.
The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to all the charges in Brisbane Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Ms White’s family members in court did not audibly react to the guilty pleas by the youth who appeared on Tuesday wearing a green jumper and black pants.
Grandmother Vyleen White, 70, (pictured) was fatally stabbed in a suspected carjacking outside a Redbank Plains shopping centre in February 2024
Vyleen White’s husband Victor (right) and daughter Julie speak to the media outside court after her teenage killer pleaded guilty on Tuesday
Prosecutor Chris Cook sought a pre-sentence report by November 3 and a November 12 sentencing.
Defence barrister Matthew Hynes agreed to the dates.
Justice Lincoln Crowley remanded the teen in custody.
