Vicious graffiti targeting police has been found at the scene of the horror alleged stabbing murder of 70-year-old grandmother Vyleen White.
Ms White was allegedly stabbed to death at the Redbank Plains Shopping Centre in Ipswich on Saturday. Police have now charged five juveniles in relation to the alleged attack, including a 16-year-old Bellbird Park boy who has been charged with murder.
Photos from the scene show graffiti reading “f**k the police” and the tag “4301” with a line cutting through the zero.
Detective Acting Superintendent Heath McQueen, speaking on Monday afternoon, said investigators would assess whether any of the five boys allegedly involved in the crime were part of any gangs.
“Sadly, the motive (behind the attack) was to steal a Hyundai Getz,” he said.
“This is senseless violence, so I don’t think there is any suggestion at all she has fought back.
“She was taking her granddaughter to the shops.”
Ms White was allegedly stabbed to death in front of onlookers at the shopping centre just after 6pm.
Police allege she was shopping with her granddaughter when a teenager approached her and demanded her car keys before fleeing the scene in her Hyundai.
In their latest update on Tuesday, police confirmed they had arrested five teenage boys.
“Ipswich detectives located and arrested a 16-year-old Bellbird Park boy at a unit complex in Bellbird Park around 2.45pm on Monday,” the police said.
“He has been charged with one count each of murder and unlawful use of motor vehicle and three counts of stealing.”
He was due to appear at Ipswich Children’s Court on Tuesday.
A 16-year-old Goodna boy has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was due to appear at Richlands Children’s Court on Tuesday.
A 16-year-old Bellbird Park boy has been charged with one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and was expected to appear at Beenleigh Children’s Court on Tuesday.
A 15-year-old Bellbird Park has been charged with one count each of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possess tainted property and was due to appear at Brisbane Children’s Court on Tuesday.
A 15-year-old Ripley boy was arrested and charged on Sunday with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The shocking alleged murder has generated outrage across Queensland and photos from the scene show a spread of flowers from people expressing their sympathies for the beloved grandmother.
It’s understood police are also looking for other “persons of interest” and Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll has pledged to catch anyone else they believe to be associated with the alleged attack.
Youth crime has escalated as a serious political issue in the state, which has suffered multiple serious crimes involving children.
In November, the state government announced new laws to crack down on potential youth offenders.
The proposed laws would make it an offence to sell knives and other bladed items and replica firearms to juveniles.