Third charged in murder of Sunshine Coast man Zdravko “Zed” Bilic

Police have charged a third person with the murder of Sunshine Coast man Zdravko Bilic, who was fatally stabbed outside his multimillion dollar home.

A third teenager has been charged with the murder of Zdravko “Zed” Bilic who was allegedly stabbed outside his multimillion home on the Sunshine Coast.

Police allege Mr Bilic was confronted by two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, who had broken into the Warana property about 11.30pm on July 13.

Following extensive investigations, an 18-year-old woman from Bethania was also arrested on Tuesday.

Queensland Police on Tuesday said the woman has been charged with murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering with intent, burglary, attempted break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, and attempted burglary.

She is scheduled to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Three teens have been charged over the death of Sunshine Coast businessman Zdravko Bilic while his wife Gry Tomte who was interstate on business at the time. Picture Instagram

Mr Bilic was at home alone on the Sunday night inside his beachside Warana home just metres from the shore. His wife, skincare business founder Gry Tomte was interstate on business at the time.

Police alleged the 57-year-old was stabbed twice in the abdomen, after confronting two teenage intruders.

Mr Bilic’s wife became concerned when she couldn’t reach him and asked a neighbour to check in who found his body lying on the front lawn about 7.30pm on the following Monday.

Tributes for Mr Bilic have been seen outside his home on Sunshine Coast. Picture: NewsWire/Patrick Woods

Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told media the altercation appeared to have begun inside the house before spilling onto the front yard.

“As a result of that altercation, he received two fatal stab wounds,” Inspector Toohey said.

Mr Bilic, originally from Europe, was a deeply loved figure on the Sunshine Coast, known for his kind nature, volunteer work as a junior soccer coach and infectious positivity.

His wife of more than two decades, Ms Tomte, described him as “the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever known”.

“He was my entire world for 28 years … The world is a little less bright without him in it,” Ms Tomte said in a statement.

On social media, she there was “no way I can capture the immense grief I feel over losing the most beautiful man … he was my everything”.

Sunshine Coast businessman Zdravko Bilic has been murdered while his wife Gry Tomte was interstate on business Picture facebook

A third has now been charged in relation to the incident. Picture: Facebook

Tributes poured in from friends, neighbours and teammates from Mr Bilic’s local soccer clubs, where he was fondly known as “Zed”.

One teammate remembered him as a “beautiful man with a smile and presence that would light up a room”.

Another said, “You couldn’t not like him.”

Officers allege the teenagers had committed multiple break-ins in the days prior to Mr Bilic’s death, including properties in Brisbane and on the coast.

Using mobile phone tracking data, detectives followed a trail that stretched more than 100km.

The 17-year-old was arrested after getting off a bus in Toowoomba. The 15-year-old was apprehended in Chermside.

Police also claim to have recovered the knife believed to be the murder weapon that is undergoing forensic analysis.

Forensic Police at the crime scene at Warana on the Sunshine Coast where the body of Zdravko Bilic was found earlier this month. Picture: NewsWire / Lachie Millard

The teenage boys were charged with murder and break-and-enter offences. After an initial court appearance, both were remanded in custody, with a committal mention set for September 10.

The court was told both boys came from troubled backgrounds. One is under his relative’s guardianship, with both parents in jail.

The other is in the long-term care of the Department of Child Safety.

During the court proceedings, lawyers raised concerns over incorrectly signed DNA applications, one by a relative instead of a legal guardian. The applications were withdrawn and are expected to be refiled.

Forensic Police combed the scene on the Sunshine Coast, Napalle Street, Warana. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Under Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” laws, introduced after the 2024 election, a juvenile convicted of murder faces a mandatory life sentence.

While the legal process begins to unfold, the community is still grappling with the loss of a man who was widely admired, loved and respected.

In one of his public posts, Mr Bilic had written about how excited he was to start a new chapter of life on the Sunshine Coast after moving from Melbourne.

Originally published as Third charged in murder of Sunshine Coast man Zdravko “Zed” Bilic