Ipswich grandmother Vyleen White dies from stabbing at shopping centre

Police have released new CCTV footage of four people of interest in the horrific stabbing of a grandmother on Saturday.

Police have released new CCTV footage of four people of interest in the horrific stabbing of a 70-year-old grandmother in a busy Ipswich shopping area.

The victim has been named as Vyleen White, who was with her six-year-old granddaughter at the time, when she was stabbed to death in Town Square Redbank Plains Shopping Centre’s underground carpark around 6pm on Saturday.

The victim’s blue 2009 Hyundai Getz was used as the getaway car and subsequently dumped at Springfield Lakes.

A major manhunt is now under way for those allegedly responsible.

It is believed a man, described as African in appearance, left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency services.

Earlier on Sunday, police released images of the blue 2009 Hyundai Getz with Queensland registration 432 TYO.

Investigators believe the four people depicted in the vision, captured from a Bruny Street, Springfield Lakes address yesterday evening, may be able to assist them. Picture: Queensland Police

The vision also depicts a vehicle of interest, a blue 2009 Hyundai Getz with Queensland registration 432 TYO. Picture: Queensland Police

On Sunday police revealed further CCTV footage showing four persons of interest, described as possibly a mix of adult and juvenile males of African appearance, arriving at a house in the Hyundai Getz.

Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen said police had received numerous tips since the attack.

“This afternoon I will be releasing some CCTV vision of four persons of interest who a short time after this homicide was committed yesterday evening, dumped the victim’s vehicle in the street at Springfield Lakes, exited that vehicle and walked away from the vehicle,” he said on Sunday.

“I describe those four persons of interest as African males in appearance. As you can appreciate, this is a significant investigation, we are 24 hours in. I want to underpin that the work that’s been conducted by the investigating police, forensics, detectives and first response officers.”

Police believe the stabbing was a robbery that turned violent.

Ms White’s daughter Danice White told the Courier Mail the tragedy should never have happened.

“We want justice,” she said.

“There should be a police beat at every shopping centre and a police presence, or even a guard dog on site in the police beat.

“If we can’t feel safe walking around, there’s a problem.”

Vyleen White is being remembered by friends and family. Picture: Supplied

Ms White remembered her mother as a thoughtful woman whose Christian faith was integral to her.

“She was always praying for people, that’s why I am still around,” she said.

“She would pray for homeless people, if she’d see someone in need she’d help them.

“My mum’s faith is very important.”

Ms White said her father, who is blind, was struggling to come to terms with what happened to his wife of almost 50 years.

“We are all pretty numb and shaken up and we’ve got high blood pressure at the moment.

“I am struggling to control my thoughts right now.”

A woman places flowers at the scene at Town Square Shopping Centre stabbing. Picture Lachie Millard

The blue 2009 Hyundai Getz is a vehicle of interest, according to police. Picture: Queensland Police

Other family and friends took to social media to remember the much loved grandmother.

“For those who didn’t get the privilege of knowing her, she was the kindest person with the biggest heart,” Samantha White wrote.

“She gave everyone the benefit of the doubt and showed kindness to everyone.

“Her goal in life was to show people the love of Jesus and to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

“She was our love, our protector, and the one who would hold us no matter what we were going through.

“One of her favourite things was going to the shops with my cousin. They were the bestest of friends, she is the best grandmother we could have ever asked for.

“We don’t understand how anyone could have targeted such a genuine soul.”

Deborah Mc Gucken commented: “We all loved this mighty woman of God, but you were one of her closest friends ... find comfort in your many beautiful memories of this amazing woman who is now safe in the arms of our Lord.”

Florence Tonna also replied, saying: “I’m so sorry for your loss my dear friend. She was the sweetest, kindest woman of God.”

Ms White has been described as the ‘kindest woman’. Picture: Supplied

Ms White was with her six-year-old granddaughter at the time of her death. Picture: Supplied

Local doctor Ademola Afolabi was at the shopping centre at the time of the incident.

He said he heard a small child crying for help and rushed over to her.

“I was just walking in front of the Aldi and I heard a little girl shout for help ‘my grandma is dead’,” he said.

“I followed her down to the underground parking lots.

“I saw a lady in a pool of blood, she was unresponsive, so I called triple-0.”

Queensland Premier Steven Miles said he was deeply saddened by the attack.

“I have been briefed on that awful murder,” he said on Sunday.

“It is an abhorrent crime, a terribly violent crime, a crime committed, it sounds like, in front of a very young relative of the victim.

“I know our police are working just as hard as they can to catch this perpetrator.”

- with Grace Baldwin and Angie Raphael, NCA Newswire

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