A teenager has pleaded guilty to murdering a grandmother in an attack that helped spark landmark law reforms.
The 16-year-old boy was charged after Vyleen Joan White, 70, was fatally stabbed in a suspected carjacking outside a Redbank Plains shopping centre, west of Brisbane, in February 2024.
White’s death helped inspire youth justice reforms, with Queensland’s Liberal National government introducing controversial “adult time, adult crime” laws after winning the 2024 election.
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Tough youth justice laws ushered in by the LNP ensure juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences.
Police alleged White was killed during the theft of her 2009 model Hyundai Getz hatchback.
The 16-year-old from the nearby suburb of Bellbird Park was charged with murder and unlawful use of a motor vehicle plus three counts of stealing.
The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to all the charges in Brisbane Supreme Court today.
White’s family members in court did not audibly react to the guilty pleas by the youth who appeared today wearing a green jumper and black pants.
Prosecutor Chris Cook sought a pre-sentence report by November 3 and a November 12 sentencing.
Defence barrister Matthew Hynes agreed to the dates.
Justice Lincoln Crowley remanded the teen in custody.
