Wallabies legend Toutai Kefu recovers in hospital, teen charged with attempted murder after violent Brisbane home invasion
A teenager has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after a terrifying home invasion that left Wallaby great Toutai Kefu and members of his family with horrific injuries.
Police & Courts
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One of three teens who allegedly broke into the Coorparoo home of Wallabies great Toutai Kefu has been charged with four counts of attempted murder.
It comes as Kefu recovers in a stable condition at the Princess Alexandra Hospital after surgery on severe stab wounds to his abdomen in the terrifying home invasion.
His wife Rachel and their 18-year-old daughter are expected to undergo surgery tomorrow.
The couple’s son, 21, was stabbed in the arm and the back. His wounds have been described as very serious, but not life threatening.
The youth who was charged – a 15-year-old from Goodna – was grabbed by neighbours at the scene as he allegedly wielded a knife following the horror attack on Kefu, his wife and two of their children.
Two other teens allegedly fled in a Hyundai that had been stolen from a home at Forest Lake earlier.
One of those teens, also aged 15, was later dropped at the Princess Alexandra Hospital with a wound to his back.
He remains in hospital under police guard.
The Goodna teen has been charged with four counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault causing grievous bodily harm and one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, break and enter, burglary and deprivation of liberty.
He appeared briefly before the Brisbane Children’s Court and was remanded in custody.
Earlier, police said they were appalled by the “brutal and violent” injuries to Kefu and his family after the shocking attack on Monday morning.
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming confirmed the incident involved Mr Kefu.
He said police were called to the house about 3.15am.
“The information police received that people unknown to the family had entered the house and people had been stabbed,” Supt Fleming said.
“I understand the residents of the house woke to noises inside the house and one of the adults went to investigate those noises.
“I understand that person was accosted by at least one of the (alleged) offenders in the premises and threatened to be stabbed if they didn’t hand over vehicle keys.
“Other members of the family came to that person’s aid and during this time very significant injuries occurred to the family as a result of what we will allege is the actions of the offenders who have broken into the family’s home this morning.”
Det Supt Fleming said an adult male was in surgery for various serious wounds to his abdomen, believed to be from a stabbing.
“His initial condition was described as critical but expected to survive,” Det Supt Fleming said.
“The mother has suffered very very serious lacerations to her arm.
“I’m told that her wounds are very significant.
“(Police will allege) two children, young adults have been the victims of the offences as well. The adult male suffered terrible wounds to his arm and back.”
Det Supt Fleming said he understood that a young woman living at the house “has cuts to her hand and arm”.
Det Supt Fleming said the incident would have a “lasting effect” on the family.
“I’m told neighbours came to the aid of the family and assisted apprehending one of the male offenders,” he said.
“I understand that male was (allegedly) armed with a knife at the time, so all credit to those neighbours for coming to the aid of the family.”
Police then arrested the man and (allegedly) seized a knife and an axe.
Supt Fleming said police believed a machete was also used.
He said the alleged offender “coughed and carried on” and has been taken to hospital to be checked for Covid-19.
Det Supt Fleming said there was no indication it was a targeted offence.
“It is highly likely a burglary that has gone wrong, although I think that understates it,” he said.
“But I can say we do not believe this was targeted.”
Police believe the vehicle used to drive to the break-in was stolen this morning from Forest Lake.
A woman tried to stop the car being stolen and was shoved over, Det Supt Fleming said.
Supt Fleming said he was appalled by the injuries suffered by the family.
He said police would be making the “strongest objection to the court that they remain in custody”.
Det Supt Fleming said he had seen some of the injuries and they were “brutal and violent”.
“I suspect whilst it’s a matter for us to prove, to put before the court, I suspect the nature of the injuries are such that all those weapons were used,” he said.
Speaking in general terms, he said police were frustrated by juvenile offenders who were repeatedly before the courts and had little regard for other people and their safety.
“The idea that you steal cars, you then drive around South East Queensland and then you set upon someone’s house … you break into their house and you take property and then … you or your associates will use violence, that causes me a great deal of concern,” he said.
“These types of crimes of violence, sometimes people just dismiss them – it’s just a stolen car. No it’s not.
“These type of offenders are using … things like stolen vehicles to go and commit more offences.
The Wallabies responded to the horror incident via the team’s social media.
“You got this great man!!” the club said in a tweet.
“All our love and thoughts to you and the entire Kefu family!!”
Seven ambulance crews attended the scene and the four family members were taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with multiple injuries.
Queensland Ambulance Service medical director Dr Steve Rashford said the level of violence he’d seen at the home was “unacceptable”.
“The QAS was requested by the Queensland Police Service to attend a house at Coorparoo at approximately 3.22am this morning,” he said.
“This was an incredibly frightening occurrence for this family and this level of violence is unacceptable in our society.”
Police are investigating and have urged any witnesses to contact them with information.
Mr Kefu is the Wallabies’ the most-capped number eight of all time, playing 60 times during a seven-year career.
He is currently the head coach of the Iona College First XV in Lindum.
Iona College rector Father Michael Twigg said Mr Kefu was a valued and respected member of the college’s community.
“His wisdom, kindness and strength of character are what makes him so loved here,” he said.
“We have asked our entire Iona and wider family to pray for Toutai and his family and we also offer prayers for the medical team looking after them.
“We have sent messages of support and hopefully look forward to a full recovery for all. “
In an earlier Facebook post, Wynnum West Catholic all boys’ school communicated its sadness.
“Toutai Kefu, Iona’s 1st XV rugby coach – Wishing Toutai, his family and all medical teams well. Please take a moment to offer a prayer if you are able.”
The post prompted an outpouring of support from parents and others associated with the school.
“Such horrendous news to wake up to. Thoughts and prayers with the Kefu family. A lovely family who truly don’t deserve this,” wrote one former Ionian.
“Really shocked to hear this news this morning … such a lovely, lovely family,” wrote another person.
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