‘They’re not kids, they’re animals’: grandma of alleged killer teen speaks out
By Cloe Read
The grandmother of a teenager charged with the manslaughter of a Queensland woman has spoken out, criticising the justice system and apologising for the tragedy.
It comes as a second person was charged on Sunday night with a series of robberies at gunpoint in the hours before the fatal Murrumba Downs crash.
Rosemary Franzidis, 69, died at the scene of the high-impact crash on Thursday after a teenager driving an allegedly stolen Audi smashed into her Toyota Corolla.
Rosemary Franzidis was killed in the crash in Murrumba Downs.Credit: Nine News
He is facing several charges, including manslaughter.
As the community grappled with the tragedy, the boy’s grandmother spoke to Nine News on Sunday night, apologising to Franzidis’ family and expressing her anger at the justice system.
She said her grandson had come from a loving home, and the incident could have been prevented.
“Know from my soul that I am so, so, so, so deeply, sincerely and heartfelt sorry,” she said.
When asked if she wanted to see the boy released, the grandmother said no.
“Hold these animals accountable for what they’re doing. They’re not kids, they’re animals,” she said.
She said the boy had been before the courts previously.
“When you go up to court 16 times and breach your bail – who let him out?”
Detectives on Sunday also searched a Caboolture home and arrested a 35-year-old woman for her connection to a suspected stolen Holden Barina.
Police said the Barina was stolen from Northgate earlier in the week, and alleged the Caboolture woman had threatened the driver with what appeared to be a firearm.
The driver was allegedly assaulted by the woman before members of the public intervened. The 35-year-old fled in the Barina, police allege.
They were also investigating a separate incident a short time later in which another woman was allegedly threatened with a firearm and her handbag almost stolen.
About 90 minutes later, police said the Barina was driven to a property in Griffin, where the 16-year-old boy got out of the car, threatened a woman with a firearm, and stole a blue Audi.
That Audi was later involved in the crash that killed Franzidis.
Married almost 50 years, she was a mother to three daughters and a grandmother of three, and was remembered by her family for her kindness and devotion.
“Rosemary Franzidis was a much-loved wife, mother and grandmother, who cherished her family more than anything in the world,” they said in a statement.
Both the 35-year-old and 16-year-old’s cases remained before the courts.
The woman was facing charges of armed robbery while in company and armed, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
She was expected to appear before the Caboolture Magistrates Court on Monday.
Start the day with a summary of the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.