A 19-year-old woman has died after being shot in the head and neck during a shooting outside a Queensland pub, as police begin a homicide investigation into the attack.
Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, from Jimboomba, was among people caught in gunfire outside Fitzy’s in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, on Saturday night.
More than 100 spectators, including families with young children, had attended the Logan City Titles boxing event at the venue. Police said at least six bullets were fired into the crowd, leaving three men wounded as well as Miss Schuster-Togiatau.
Queensland Police confirmed that Miss Schuster-Togiatau died at Princess Alexandra Hospital on Thursday morning.
Police appeal after Loganholme shooting
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said the shooting was now being treated as a homicide, and offered his condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
“A 19-year-old woman, in the prime of her life, who was simply going out for a night out with friends, has had her life taken from her, in the most cowardly way,” he said.
“We have not stopped and we will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody.”
Police said two men wearing balaclavas and gloves opened fire from a silver Mitsubishi ASX. The car was later found burnt out at Waterford West, and investigators believe the offenders fled in another vehicle.
At least three people are thought to have been involved. Police believe Miss Schuster-Togiatau was not the intended target.
Detective Inspector Galpin said the victim’s family was struggling to cope with her death.
“They are not doing well. It’s an incredibly difficult time for them. I can’t imagine the hurt they’re going through,” he said.
He urged anyone who knew who was responsible, or why the shooting occurred, to contact police.
“There are people out there who know exactly who was involved in this offence and exactly why this occurred,” he said. “I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information, and contact police.”
Chief Superintendent Mel Adams said police were confident of catching those responsible, but said community assistance was needed.
“I can tell you we will solve this crime. We absolutely will,” she said.
“I wouldn’t use the term targeted, but there were elements of pre-planning that lead us to say it was not random.”
Taskforce Maxima, which investigates outlaw motorcycle gangs and serious organised crime, is assisting local detectives and the State Crime Command.
Chief Superintendent Adams appealed for people to share even the smallest piece of information.
“This could have been your family member,” she said. “This was a random group of people at the front of a popular hotel who became victims.”
