‘He regrets this’: Teen accused of killing Qld grandmother committed to trial

A teenager accused of killing a Queensland grandmother has been committed to stand trial, as his lawyer claimed he was “absolutely remorseful”.

Vyleen Joan White, 70, was stabbed in the chest during the alleged theft of her car from a shopping centre car park at Redbank Plains, west of Brisbane, last year.

Her death sparked community outrage and prompted the then-Labor state government to change bail laws for juveniles.

The Ipswich grandmother was fatally stabbed in February 2024. Credit: Nine News

A teenage boy, now aged 17, from the nearby suburb of Bellbird Park, was charged with offences including murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and stealing.

During a committal hearing in the Ipswich Childrens Court on Friday, the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared via video link.

Sitting quietly in a blue shirt and black shorts, he was asked by magistrate Dennis Kinsella if he understood his charges.

“Yeah, I understand,” he replied.

The family of Vyleen White continue to advocate for stronger protections for Queenslanders.Credit: Nine News

His lawyer, Farshad Sarabi, told the court his client’s parents were not present for the hearing because of safety concerns.

Sarabi conceded there was a prima facie case against his client, and therefore the case would proceed to a higher court.

The court heard about 120 statements had been submitted as part of the proceeding.

Kinsella committed the teenager to trial in the Supreme Court at a later date.

Outside court, Sarabi said his client was “absolutely remorseful, absolutely”.

“He regrets this,” the lawyer said.

“It’s just really sad for everyone, and I especially feel for the families ... of course [my client] knows the gravity of the situation.”

When asked about why the teenager’s parents were not present, Sarabi answered: “Of course, because it’s of such a community interest, we didn’t feel comfortable having them here just because of the fact they are innocent people as well.

“They don’t have a connection to this, and it would have been unfair potentially, any threats against their lives based on that decision.”

He said his client was yet to enter a plea, which could be done once it reached the higher court, but he hoped the teenager would “make the right decision”.

Outside court, White’s daughter Cindy Micallef said her family was struggling without her mother.

“Honestly, what you see is not what you see behind closed doors. We all fall apart.

“You know, it’s a case of someone’s got to do it, and we’ve got to fight,” she said.

“Life’s hard. It is hard.

Cindy Micallef outside court in Ipswich.Credit: Cloe Read / Brisbane Times

“There’s a lot of stuff going on for all of us ... We’ve had a week of family birthdays for both my sisters and my young niece tomorrow. Birthdays aren’t the same.

“Life events aren’t the same. Any family occasion just isn’t the same without mum.”

The accused teenager allegedly stole soft drinks and chocolate from a 7-Eleven, food from McDonald’s, and alcohol from a Liquorland store before White’s death.

He was remanded in custody until his next court date.

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