Case of boy accused of stabbing murder of Vyleen White to be heard early 2025

The case against a boy accused of murdering 70-year-old grandmother at a shopping centre earlier this year will be heard early year to decide if it proceeds to the Supreme Court.

Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre stabbing victim Vyleen White supplied by her family.

The case against the child accused of murdering 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White at a shopping centre earlier this year, will have a hearing early next year to decide whether it proceeds to the Supreme Court.

Ms White was fatally stabbed in front of onlookers in an underground car park at Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre on the night of Saturday, February 3.

It is alleged the motive for the incident was carjacking Ms White’s 2009 Hyundai Getz hatchback, which was allegedly stolen and found approximately 20 minutes away.

Five teenage boys - aged either 15 or 16 - were charged over the tragic incident that shocked the state. The four others were mostly charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle in relation to the alleged theft of Ms White’s car.

However, the accused killer, who was 16 years old at the time, is charged with one count each of murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and three counts of stealing.

In Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday, a date was set for a committal hearing - likely to last most of the day - for the teen from Bellbird Park in Ipswich.

Prosecutor Chris Cook said the brief of evidence had mostly been disclosed to the accused’s legal team - an issue which had previously delayed the case.

“The only item of substance outstanding is a DNA statement, but the Crown is content to proceed to committal without that,” Mr Cook told the court on Tuesday.

The committal hearing has been set for Friday, March 14 in Ipswich Children’s Court.

The number of witnesses who will give evidence on the day is yet to be finalised, the court heard.

The accused remains in custody and did not appear for Tuesday’s proceeding. He was represented by Jodie Layzell, of the firm Hannay Lawyers.