Police Probe Possible Gang Links After 19-Year-Old Killed in Brisbane Pub Shooting
A 19-year-old woman died from injuries sustained in a drive-by shooting outside a Brisbane pub, prompting a police investigation that includes a potential gang angle.
Police are investigating a fatal drive-by shooting that left 19-year-old Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau dead after she was hit in the head and neck outside Fitzy’s Loganholme in Brisbane’s south on Saturday night. The incident occurred during a boxing event at the venue, and three other men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were hospitalised; one remains in recovery after surgery while the other two have been released.
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin, who briefed the media, said about 80 officers are involved in the murder investigation and that police are keeping an open mind about possible gang involvement. He asked members of the community to provide any information they may have about the perpetrators.
"We will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody," Galpin said.
"I’d ask our community to reflect on the fact that a 19-year-old woman, in the prime of her life, was simply going out for a night out with friends and has had her life taken from her," he added.
The detective noted that the victim’s family has requested privacy and expressed sympathy for their situation. Police continue to search for those responsible and have indicated that any links to organised crime could broaden the scope of the inquiry.