Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, a 19-year-old from Jimboomba, died in hospital on Thursday morning after suffering critical head and neck injuries during a drive-by shooting at a pub south of Brisbane. The October 24 attack at Fitzy’s Loganholme in Logan left four people injured, triggering a homicide investigation led by approximately 80 police officers. Queensland Police launched the homicide probe following the October 24 incident, which occurred at about 8:15 p.m. when shots were fired from a vehicle outside the licensed premises on Bryants Road, according to Queensland Police News. The venue was hosting a boxing event at the time. Alongside Schuster-Togiatau, three men aged 27, 37, and 38 sustained injuries in the shooting.
Loganholme Pub Attack Claims 19-Year-Old Life
The shooting unfolded on a Saturday night while patrons gathered at Fitzy’s Loganholme. Police reported elements of pre-planning in the attack, though investigators stated there was no indication the victims were specifically targeted.
Schuster-Togiatau was rushed to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she remained in critical condition before passing away on Thursday morning. Two of the male victims—aged 37 and 38—have since been released from the hospital, while a 27-year-old Cornubia man remains hospitalized in a stable condition, Queensland Police News confirmed.
Police Investigate Potential Gang Links
Logan District Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Inspector Ian Galpin stated that investigators were keeping an open mind regarding potential gang involvement in the shooting.
“If that leads to the identification of gang members, their associates or other forms of organised crime, then that will certainly expand the scope of our investigation,” Detective Inspector Galpin said.
Describing the attack as cowardly, Detective Inspector Galpin appealed directly to the public for assistance. “There are people out there who know exactly who was involved in this offence and know exactly why it occurred,” he said. “I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information and contact police.”
Community Grief and Ongoing Appeal
Local leaders and community members expressed profound shock over the teenager’s death. Logan City Mayor Jon Raven stated that the 19-year-old was deeply loved by her family, friends, and the broader community, while Logan MP Linus Power offered condolences in state parliament.
A GoFundMe page established to support Schuster-Togiatau’s family has raised more than $53,000 toward a $70,000 goal. Forensic examinations and police presence have continued at the Loganholme scene as authorities urge anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, or information regarding suspicious activity in the area to contact police.
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