‘Chose to kill her’: Teen pleads guilty to murder of grandmother Vyleen White

The teenager arrested over the killing of grandmother Vyleen White has pleaded guilty to her murder, as her family described the emotional toll of losing the 70-year-old.

Vyleen Joan White was stabbed in the car park of a shopping centre in Redbank Plains, west of Brisbane, in February 2024. At the time, it was believed the motive was to steal her Hyundai Getz.

Outside court on Tuesday, White’s husband said the teenager was “playing god” and chose to kill his wife, despite her seemingly giving the then-16-year-old her car keys.

Victor White (right), husband of murder victim Vyleen White, with family and friends arriving at the Supreme Court.Credit: AAPIMAGE

Her death sparked community outrage and was one of the cases that prompted the then-Labor state government to strengthen bail laws for juvenile offenders. Her case was also central to the push for the LNP’s adult crime, adult time laws.

Vyleen White was fatally stabbed in February 2024.Credit: Nine News

The teenager, who cannot be named under youth justice laws, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

He also pleaded guilty to charges of stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

White’s husband, Victor, and her daughter, Julie, told reporters outside court about the emotional toll her death had on the family.

Mr White said it seemed his wife had given the teenager the keys willingly.

“And he killed her by choice. There’s no other way to put it. He just killed her because he chose to kill her, he was acting like god,” he said.

When asked about the confronting nature of the crime, Julie told reporters she could not imagine how her mother felt in that moment.

The family noted White was of small stature compared to the towering teenager.

“It would be very intimidating. Because all that went through my mind personally is what on earth did my mum think in that moment,” she said.

“For her to be there ... I couldn’t imagine. And I’m holding back tears now, but those final moments, I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Vyleen White’s husband, Victor, and their daughter, Julie, speaking outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane.Credit: Anna Rawlings

“And that’s what we want to prevent, is that from ever happening to anyone else. Obviously, it still might happen.

“Every aspect of our lives has changed. Every aspect. And it’s not been something you can possibly imagine ahead of time.

“One minute, you get that knock on the door; next minute, your world is falling apart. There’s been countless psychologist appointments, reduced work – the general financial strain alone gets really overwhelming.”

Mr White said nothing would bring back his wife, and the family had been suffering with anxiety and mental stress over losing her.

When asked about sentencing, he said, although he knew it would not happen, it should be a “life for a life”.

The teenager is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12.

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