Victims of Khe Sanh Cox tell of their pain after spree horror break-ins

A woman who stole a USB with a dying woman’s final words to her daughter during an “evil” crime spree has been forced to sit and listen to her victims’ heartbreak.

Khe Sanh Cox broke stole priceless items from her victims. Picture: SAPOL

The victims of a “heartless, evil” Riverland woman, who stole a USB containing a dying mother’s last words to her daughter and a war veteran’s medals have told a court they’ll never be able to replace the “priceless” items she took.

On Wednesday morning, Khe Sanh Shawna Cox, 31, appeared in the District Court via audio visual link from custody where she heard the extent of the pain she caused to six of her 24 victims between March 2020 and December 2021.

In August of 2021, Cox pleaded guilty to 77 charges, including serious criminal trespass, using a motor vehicle without consent, dishonestly dealing with property and engaging in a police pursuit.

Prosecutors told Judge Joanne Tracey that Cox had previous convictions dating back to 2019, but a large portion of the offending currently before the court had occurred between December 2020 and January 2021.

During that period, Cox broke into a number of homes, stealing treasured items from her victims and, in some circumstances, vehicles.

Khe Sanh Shawna Cox broke into several homes during her "13 month crime spree." Picture: Facebook

Through his impact statement, which was read aloud to the court, one victim said he had been left so traumatised by Cox’s offending that he and his teenage daughter were now dealing with depression, nightmares and significant anger issues.

He said that when Cox stole Samsung phones and a collection of USBs from his home, she took the last memories he had made with his fiancee, whom he recently lost to cervical cancer.

“I would like Cox to know that when she stole from me, she stole much more than just phones, USBs, memory cards and SD cards. She stole memories that can never be replaced,” he said.

“Most of the USBs that Ms Cox stole from me depicted pictures and videos of my fiancee.

“Sadly, she passed away after battling cancer, but the USBs that were stolen contained photos of us getting engaged, being happy, her declining health and happy memories that can never be seen again.

“Also on the USB were video diaries made by (my fiancee) documenting her health, messages to myself and our daughter, family and friends. Because of Ms Cox’s actions, these memories are lost forever in a heartless moment of greed.

“Now our daughter will never get to see or read the messages left behind for her by her mum.”

Another of Cox’s victims told the court Cox had stolen priceless World War II medals earned by his father, among other medals he had earned himself during his time serving in the Australian Defence Force.

“The effects of (Cox’s actions) brought on strong feelings of my failure to keep our home protected and safeguarded from strangers acting with evil, deliberate intent,” he said through his impact statement.

“Personally, the greatest loss is that every one of my war medals, and my father’s, and my father in law’s World War II medals were stolen that day.

“The realisation of this loss is so very difficult to comprehend. To steal things is a disrespectful and irrelevant act – they are of no value to anyone else, but represent quiet recognition and gratitude for the recipient from the government and the people of Australia, as a meaningful acknowledgment of their service.”

He said he struggles on Anzac Day, and Remembrance Day, as he would usually wear his medals with pride and to remember the people he served alongside.

The court also heard from one victim who was at home when Cox broke in and robbed her.

She said she no longer felt comfortable falling asleep at night, and her family now “constantly look over our shoulders”.

“To think that someone entered our home while we were in bed sleeping, and helped themselves to our belongings, emotionally scars us and makes us feel unsafe in our own home,” she said in her statement.

Sarah Grimwade, for Cox said her client had been taught that stealing was not only tolerated, but encouraged.

“What I will ask Your Honour to bare in mind when considering offending is that it should be considered against the background of the personal circumstances of Ms Cox,” Ms Grimwade said.

“Her father taught her stealing was correct, and normal.

“We have a woman who is still only 31 years of age, who has been born into an environment with almost no chance.”

Judge Tracey will sentence Cox for her offending in December.

Originally published as Victims of Khe Sanh Cox tell of their pain after spree horror break-ins