A 19-year-old Jimboomba woman is fighting for her life after being shot in the head and neck outside Fitzys Hotel in Loganholme during a boxing night attended by adults and children.
She was among four people struck when shots were fired from a vehicle outside the Bryants Road venue about 8.15pm on Saturday 24 October.
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin said he believed the young woman was an innocent bystander.
“It appals me greatly. It’s horrific. It’s something that her family should never have to go through,” he said.
“This is a horrific event in a public space where adults and children are simply trying to enjoy a sporting event, and this incident is clearly not acceptable.”
Speaking on Sunday, Detective Inspector Galpin said the woman remained in a critical and unstable condition after surgery at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The three injured men also underwent surgery.
A 38-year-old Browns Plains man, shot in the abdomen and arm, and a 37-year-old Salisbury man, shot in the abdomen, were in serious but stable conditions.
A 27-year-old Cornubia man, also shot in the abdomen, was in a stable condition.
Investigators were looking for at least three people. Galpin said one of the occupants of the car used in the shooting may have suffered burns or another injury when it was subsequently set alight.
“So we’re looking for at least three people involved in this,” he said.
“There’s possibly more as the investigation unfolds.”
The motive remained under investigation and Galpin did not identify any of the three injured men as intended targets.
The boxing event had begun at 5pm. During a break between fights, people gathered outside the entrance.
“During an intermission, a number of people, including those who were injured, gathered in the passenger drop-off zone,” Galpin said.
“At 8:15 p.m., a Mitsubishi motor vehicle approached the drop-off zone, stopping in close proximity to those standing outside.
“A number of shots were then fired from the front passenger window of that vehicle, striking four persons.”
Galpin estimated at least half a dozen shots were fired.
“CCTV and witness accounts identified two males within that vehicle, both wearing balaclavas and gloves,” he said.
“The vehicle then drove forward before reversing and exiting the car park.”
Police arrived three minutes later, at 8.18pm, and were assisted by Queensland Ambulance Service personnel and members of the public.
By 8.35pm, the Mitsubishi used in the shooting was being set alight on Moloney Road at Waterford West.
“Subsequent CCTV inquiry identified a second vehicle which collected the occupants of the Mitsubishi after they had set the vehicle alight,” Galpin said.
“It is possible one of these persons in the Mitsubishi was injured or burnt during this process.”
The available footage had not provided enough detail to identify the vehicle that collected them.
Later that evening, a dual-cab utility was set alight on Beaudesert–Beenleigh Road at Tamborine.
“Investigations are continuing to establish if this vehicle is linked to the offenders,” Galpin said.
Both burnt vehicles were undergoing forensic examinations.
Asked about the apparent planning involved, he said: “I agree there appears to be a level of pre-planning, and yes, it does concern me.”
Galpin confirmed Taskforce Maxima was providing additional officers for the investigation.
He cautioned against speculation about gang or organised crime involvement.
“At this point in the investigation, it would be premature of me to speculate on the involvement of any gang member or organised crime,” he said.
“It’s just too early.”
Galpin said the boxing gym’s owners were cooperating with investigators and had received no information suggesting an incident like this might occur.
Police also had no advance warning.
Detectives had spoken only briefly with the injured people, whose medical care took priority.
“Obviously their medical condition comes first. So we will just have to wait for an opportunity to speak with them,” he said.
Homicide investigators, forensic specialists and intelligence officers were assisting Logan detectives.
Galpin said he had no information suggesting there would be a retaliatory attack and appealed for anyone with information to help investigators identify those responsible.
“As I said, we’ve got a young lady who’s currently fighting for life, and I appeal to anyone that has any information whatsoever to please contact police and assist us with this investigation.”
His message to those involved was direct.
“So my message to these people would be to contact police, because we will identify you and we will catch up with you.”
He also warned anyone considering harbouring those involved.
“My message to anyone thinking of harbouring these people would be to think twice and to contact us, and we can work through that with you,” he said.
Anyone with information can contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
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