Police probe possible gang links after woman, 19, dies following Brisbane pub shooting
A 19-year-old woman has died in hospital after masked gunmen fired into a crowd outside a pub in Brisbane's south, and detectives say they are keeping an open mind on organised crime involvement.
By News Media House Staff ·

Police in Brisbane are examining whether gangs were involved in a drive-by shooting that killed a 19-year-old woman outside a pub in the city's south.
Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, from Jimboomba, was struck in the head and neck on Saturday night when masked gunmen fired into a crowd outside Fitzy's Loganholme. She died at the Princess Alexandra hospital on Thursday morning.
Three men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were also taken to hospital. One of them is recovering after surgery, while the other two have since been released.
The attack took place on a night when the venue was hosting a boxing event. Police are still searching for those responsible.
Det Insp Ian Galpin was visibly emotional as he told the media of the young woman's death. He offered condolences to her family and friends and said about 80 police officers are working on the murder investigation.
"We will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody," he said. He urged the 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 in the most cowardly way."
Det Insp Galpin said some people know exactly who was involved and why it happened. "I'm asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information," he said.
He said the victim's family was "not doing well" and had asked for their privacy to be respected. "It's an incredibly difficult time for them, I can't imagine the hurt that they're going through," he said.
On the question of gangs, the detective said police were keeping an open mind. If the inquiry leads to the identification of gang members, their associates or other forms of organised crime, he said, "then that will certainly expand the scope of our investigation."
Originally published by News Media House · Source: The Guardian





