Sunshine Coast murder charges: Teens known to police, Child Safety

Two teenagers charged with murdering a Queensland millionaire in a violent break-in have lengthy criminal histories which include recent burglaries, it can be revealed.

Two teenagers charged with murdering a Queensland millionaire in a violent break-in have lengthy criminal histories which include recent burglaries, it can be revealed.

The Courier-Mail can reveal the 15-year-old and 17-year-old boys charged over the murder of Zdravko “Zed” Bilic on Sunday night are known to police and the Department of Child Safety.

Police will allege the teenagers fatally stabbed Mr Bilic in the stomach while trying to break into his Warana home on the Sunshine Coast, before allegedly leaving him on the front lawn to die.

It comes as Mr Bilic’s wife, Gry Tomte, shared the heartbreak of losing her “entire world” of 28 years.

“If you’ve had the privilege of being in Zed’s presence, you’ll know that he was literal sunshine. And the world is a little less bright without him in it,” Ms Tomte said.

Police will allege the teenagers arrived at Mr Bilic’s home in a stolen car before breaking into the multimillion-dollar property about 11.30pm on Sunday.

It will be alleged Mr Bilic disturbed the teenagers who then assaulted him – where he was stabbed in the stomach – and took his car keys before fleeing in the allegedly stolen car.

Mr Bilic, 57, was found dead on his front lawn on Monday night – almost 24 hours later – after his wife, who was interstate at the time, got worried and contacted a neighbour.

Mr Bilic, a beloved soccer coach and respected community member, couldn’t be saved.

Sunshine Coast businessman Zdravko Bilic

After three days of investigations, police arrested a 17-year-old Beerwah boy as he was getting off a bus at Toowoomba, and arrested a 15-year-old Woombye boy at Chermside.

Both boys have been charged with murder.

Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said police will allege the teenagers were involved in another break-in on the night of the alleged murder, and another in the days prior.

“We will be alleging a number of break-and-enters for the boys,” Inspector Toohey said.

“The vehicle was a stolen car from Brisbane, there were linked offences to that car and they have been charged with some of those offences.”

Inspector Toohey said police were still investigating and talking to other children on the Sunshine Coast in relation to the incident.

Police have also located the alleged murder weapon – a knife – which is undergoing forensic testing.

Mr Bilic has been remembered as a selfless husband by his wife, Ms Tomte, who said the void left behind was “unbearable”.

“From the moment we met, both of us living away from family in the new country we had fallen in love with, we knew instantly we were each other’s ‘person’,” Ms Tomte said.

“We were complete opposites – and together we made a whole. People say I’m the strong one – but I could only be strong because he allowed me to be, and because he wrapped his arms around me daily to make sure I could.

“He selflessly, and with much pride, stood in the shadows and pushed me forward.

“But apart from being my world, and that of his family and close friends, he was so much to others too.”

Police at the scene on Thursday. Picture: Patrick Woods/NCA NewsWire

Ms Tomte – beauty mogul and founder of HUD Skin and Body – said Mr Bilic would go above and beyond for everyone. She said he was also an avid soccer fan and much-loved coach.

“He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help anyone. And even if you weren’t his friend, if he saw you on the street he’d smile, have a chat – and if you needed help he’d treat you the same way. He was the kind of man who on several occasions would quickly detour when we saw a lost dog ... (and) stop them in their tracks to make sure we could get them home safely to their families.

“He was loved by more people than I can put into words.

“He was an avid soccer fan – he’d fly down to go to matches with his close group of friends – in 10 years I think he missed 2 Melbourne Victory games.

“Coach Zed, as he was known, was an exceptional male role model for the kids he worked with at the early childhood centres up here on the coast ... He was a superhero to the little kids he worked with.”

The Courier-Mail understands both teenagers have a lengthy criminal history which includes recent burglaries.

Both teenagers faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, where they were remanded in custody. The court was told both the parents of one teenager were in prison, and the other child lived in foster care.

Police prosecutor Mark Burrell made an application to collect DNA from the children, but lawyers argued a parent needed to be given notice before this could happen.

Both matters were adjourned until September 10.

Zdravko Bilic with wife Gry Tomte

Originally published as Sunshine Coast murder charges: Teens known to police, Child Safety