UPDATE: The family of Vyleen White, a murdered grandmother, is expressing profound outrage over the 16-year maximum sentence handed to her teenage killer. This shocking ruling, delivered on October 12, 2023, has ignited calls for immediate legal reforms in Queensland following the brutal attack that claimed the life of the 70-year-old grandmother in front of her young granddaughter.
The attack, which occurred outside a shopping center in Redbank Plains in February 2024, involved the teenager, then aged 16, who fatally stabbed Ms. White with a 17cm deep knife wound while attempting to steal her car. The family is grappling with the details of this “cowardly and callous” crime, as described by Justice Helen Bowskill.
“We’re all grappling with the horror mum would have gone through,” said Cindy Micallef, Ms. White’s daughter. “I was gutted by the sentence.” The family described how their lives have been irrevocably altered, with Ms. White being the cornerstone of their family.
The Queensland government is reportedly considering an appeal of the sentence, acknowledging the public outcry. Premier David Crisafulli stated, “It’s not acceptable and nothing ever will be for them – and justifiably.” The outrage stems from the fact that the teen, already on conditional release for three armed robberies, was sentenced under previous laws rather than the newly enacted “adult crime, adult time” legislation that mandates a minimum of 20 years for murder.
Justice Bowskill delivered the longest possible sentence under the state’s prior laws, which the family deems inadequate. “It’s never enough when you murder somebody,” said Victor White, Ms. White’s husband. “There’s no justice when it comes to murder.”
The devastating details revealed during sentencing included the grandmother’s desperate attempts to protect herself as she backed away, hands raised, pleading for her life. Witnesses described the attack as “senseless,” and Ms. White’s granddaughter, who witnessed the horror, sought help from bystanders, an act praised by the judge as “very brave.”
The teen not only stole Ms. White’s life but also shattered her family’s future. They are now contemplating how to honor her legacy by advocating for tougher bail laws for juvenile offenders. Victor White remarked, “If he was dealt with properly, he wouldn’t be where he is today.”
As the community reels from this tragic event, the family is left to ponder the implications of the legal system that allowed such a lenient sentence. The boy is expected to be released after serving just 60 percent of the sentence, which, considering time already served, could see him out of custody by late 2033.
The outrage over this case highlights the growing demand for reform in how juvenile offenders are treated, especially in cases involving serious crimes. The family vows to push for changes that would prevent future tragedies like this one.
This story is still developing, and the community is closely watching the government’s next steps regarding potential appeals and further legal reforms.
