These are the most tragic faces of Queensland‘s youth crime crisis – eleven everyday locals who have died allegedly at the hands of juvenile crims in the last two years.
The state’s escalating crime wave has forced premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to launch new reforms including again making breach of bail an offence for young people – after dumping the offence in 2015 and rejecting a push for its return since.
Maximum sentences for stolen cars and night crimes will also be increased as well as greater penalties for those who boast about their crimes on social media.
The controversial change comes after a spate of high-profile homicides involving offenders under the age of 18, particularly in the state’s south-east, as well as constant car thefts and home invasions across Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa.
Community groups have called for more action and reminded the public of the mothers, fathers and teenagers who have already fallen victim to the crimewave.
Below are ten tragic victims the reforms have come too late for.
Emma Lovell
Emma Lovell, 41, was allegedly stabbed at her home at North Lakes, north of Brisbane, on Boxing Day 2022.
Emma Lovell, 41, was allegedly stabbed at her home at North Lakes, north of Brisbane, on Boxing Day 2022
Two 17-year-olds, from Zillmere and Holland Park, have been charged with murder with their case still before the courts.
Carlo Stewart
Carlo Stewart, 31, was allegedly shot in a street fight at North Booval, in the City of Ipswich, in July 2021.
Carlo Stewart, 31, was allegedly shot in a street fight at North Booval, in the City of Ipswich, in July 2021
A 16-year-old boy and two men were charged with matter with the matter still before the courts.
David Connolly
David George Connolly, 43, was allegedly stabbed to death in January with a 17-year-old boy charged with murder and the matter still before the courts.
Rene Latimore
Rene Latimore, 31, was allegedly killed after disappearing from Koumala, south of Mackay, in August 2021
Rene Latimore, 31, was allegedly killed after disappearing from Koumala, south of Mackay, in August 2021.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder and the matter is still before the courts.
Robert William Brown
Robert Brown, 75, was allegedly assaulted and robbed while waiting at a taxi rank in Toowoomba on February 6.
He died from his injuries last Monday with three teenagers charged over the incident.
Isaac Zane Cubby, 18, and two 17-year-old boys have been charged with murder.
The matter is currently before the courts.
Scott Cabrie
Uber driver Scott Cabrie, 47, was allegedly murdered after he picked up a group of people in his car on February 7
Uber driver Scott Cabrie, 47, was allegedly murdered after he picked up a group of people in his car on February 7.
His body was found near a boat ramp on Power House Road at Howard, in the Fraser Coast region, on February 12.
A 17-year-old boy and Tyne Wayne Porter, 18, have been charged over the alleged murder.
Jennifer Board
Jennifer Board, 22, was killed on her motorcycle after a horror smash involving an allegedly stolen car on Ross River Road at Townsville in February 2021
Jennifer Board, 22, was killed on her motorcycle after a horror smash involving an allegedly stolen car on Ross River Road at Townsville in February 2021.
Gregory Clubb was allegedly driving a stolen car that was allegedly being pursued by vigilante Christopher Michael Hughes.
Hughes allegedly rammed into the car and then allegedly hit Ms Board off her motorcycle with the impact killing her.
Hughes was charged with murder and Clubb is facing a manslaughter charge.
Three other teenagers are also facing lesser charges with the matter still before the courts.
Matthew Field and Kate Leadbetter
Matthew Field and a pregnant Kate Leadbetter were walking dogs at Alexandra Hills in the City of Redland when they were struck by a stolen car on Australia Day in 2021
Matthew Field and a pregnant Kate Leadbetter were walking dogs at Alexandra Hills in the City of Redland when they were struck by a stolen car on Australia Day in 2021.
The couple and their unborn child were killed in the horrific incident.
The drunk and drug-addled 17-year-old driver ran a red light before the stolen Landcruiser collided with a truck, rolled and hit the couple.
The teen was found to have had a blood alcohol content between 0.151 and 0.192 per cent at the time of the crash.
The teen was found to have had a blood alcohol content between 0.151 and 0.192 per cent at the time of the crash.
The teen fled, stealing keys from a nearby house before being caught by a resident and arrested.
He was sentenced to 10 years in jail following the crash.
Michael Warburton
Michael Warburton, 59, died when his Vespa scooter was hit by an allegedly stolen car in Wynnum West, Brisbane, in September 2022
Michael Warburton, 59, died when his Vespa scooter was hit by an allegedly stolen car in Wynnum West, Brisbane, in September 2022.
The car was allegedly being driven by a 15-year-old teenager.
Four teenagers have been charged over the incident with offences including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death.
The matter is still before the courts.
Balin Stewart
Balin Stewart, 16, was allegedly stabbed to death on the front lawn of his house at Buddina, on the Sunshine Coast, on January 20, 2022
Balin Stewart, 16, was allegedly stabbed to death on the front lawn of his house at Buddina, on the Sunshine Coast, on January 20, 2022.
A 17-year-old boy was charged with murder and the matter is still before the courts.
DailyMail
