Zelita Shepherd accused of threats to kill and armed robbery in 10-minute Mildura rampage

A Mildura woman has been accused of threatening to kill multiple people, holding up a shop with a knife, and stealing an iPhone during an alleged ten minute crime spree along San Mateo Ave.

Zelita Shepherd allegedly made multiple threats to kill while brandishing a knife, a court has heard. Picture Generic/iStock

A Mildura woman allegedly threatened to kill multiple people and held up a shop with a knife before stealing an iPhone during a chaotic ten-minute rampage along San Mateo Ave, a court has heard.

Zelita Shepherd fronted Mildura Magistrates’ Court seeking bail on several charges including making threats to kill and theft.

The court heard Ms Shepherd allegedly went to a San Mateo Ave home in January and began banging on the screen door, demanding cigarettes.

When the occupant said no one in the house smoked, she allegedly responded, “Do you want me to kill you?” while purportedly brandishing a weapon.

Minutes later, on the same street, police alleged Ms Shepherd entered an Asian grocery store and held up a worker with a knife.

“Give me everything in your shop, you little s**t,” she allegedly demanded before employees fled.

The court heard Ms Shepherd went on her alleged ten minute rampage down San Mateo Ave, a main thoroughfare in Mildura. Picture: Stuart Kavanagh

She then reportedly grabbed an iPhone from the counter, belonging to one of the workers.

Ms Shepherd was arrested by police minutes later and officers claimed she smashed the iPhone on the ground before attempting to flee.

Police prosecutor, Leading Senior Constable Raef Oliver, argued strongly against Ms Shepherd being granted bail pointing to her track record of failing to appear after being granted bail.

“She has eight prior convictions for failing to appear on bail,” Sen Con Oliver told the court.

He also added she had been charged 25 times with violent offences since 2023.

Ms Shepherd’s lawyer, Hugh Middleton argued his client’s mental health was in much better shape now and that any risk of her being bailed could be mitigated by various conditions.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan ultimately granted her bail, telling Ms Shepherd this was an opportunity to stay out of prison.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan granted Ms Shepherd bail and told her she needs to keep out of trouble to avoid even more time in prison

“I am going to grant you bail, but it is so important that you lock in with CISP (Court Integrated Services Program) at Mildura court,” Mr Coghlan said.

“This is an opportunity to make a break from what you had been doing previously. If you do well on CISP, there is a prospect of you avoiding imprisonment.”

“You need to keep out of trouble,” Mr Coghlan added.

“Yeah, I’ll try,” Ms Shepherd replied.

Ms Shepherd’s next scheduled court appearance is April 22.