She grew up here. She went to school here. Her family and friends were here.
Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau was one of us, a 19-year-old Logan local simply enjoying a Saturday night out with friends.
She should have come home.
Instead, five days after gunfire tore through a crowd outside Fitzys Hotel in Loganholme, the young Jimboomba woman has died.
Her family’s love for Vana-Reese was expressed in a GoFundMe appeal established before her death.
“It is with broken hearts that our whānau share this message about our beautiful Vana-Reese,” the appeal read.
“Vana-Reese is so deeply loved by her family and friends. Born and raised in Logan, Brisbane, she holds a special place in the hearts of so many.”
The fundraiser, organised by Danielle Togiatau, has already raised more than $50,000.
Her family is now grieving her loss, the community is in shock and police are pleading with those who know who was responsible to find the courage to speak.
On Thursday 29 October, Detective Inspector Ian Galpin confirmed the 19-year-old had died that morning at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
“This is now a homicide investigation,” he said.
He called on the community to reflect on the loss of a young woman “in the prime of her life” whose life had been taken “in the most cowardly way”.
“We have not stopped and we will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody,” he said.
For those who knew her, she was far more than the young woman at the centre of a police investigation.
Childhood friend Bella Annakin, who grew up alongside her and attended school with her at Flagstone, spoke to 7NEWS earlier in the week about the friend she knew.
“She was the bubbliest girl, always happy, just the light of the room,” she said.
“She was just working, living her life, going out. Just being young like she should’ve been.”
Cr Jon Raven said he was deeply saddened by Vana-Reese’s death.
“My thoughts and prayers are with her whānau as they grieve their immense loss,” Cr Raven said.
“The 19-year-old Logan local was deeply loved by her family, friends and community.
“I cannot comprehend the pain they are going through.”
Federal Member for Forde Rowan Holzberger said the loss had left people shocked, angry and sad.
“People are shocked and angry, but also very sad. More than anything our thoughts are with the family and friends of Vana-Reese.”
The young woman suffered gunshot wounds to her head and neck when shots were fired outside the Bryants Road hotel about 8.15pm on Saturday 24 October.
A boxing event attended by adults and children was underway, with people gathered outside the entrance during an intermission.
Police previously said a Mitsubishi stopped close to the group before shots were fired from its front passenger window.
CCTV and witness accounts identified two men inside wearing balaclavas and gloves.
The vehicle left the car park and was later set alight at Waterford West, where another vehicle collected its occupants.
On Sunday, Detective Inspector Galpin said he believed Vana-Reese was an innocent bystander.
Three men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were also wounded.
Two have since left hospital, while the third remains recovering from surgery.
More than 80 detectives are working on the investigation, with Logan police supported by the Homicide Investigation Unit, Task Force Maxima, the Organised Crime Gangs Group and specialist forensic and intelligence units.
Police have not established whether gangs were involved or whether any of the victims were deliberately targeted.
Detective Inspector Galpin said investigators were following several lines of inquiry and had received substantial information from the public.
But he believes there are people who know exactly who carried out the shooting and why.
“And I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information and contact police,” he said.
He said identifying those responsible was one of the most important ways police could support the grieving family.
“They’re not doing well,” he said.
“Incredibly difficult time for them. I can’t imagine the hurt that they’re going through.”
Detective Inspector Galpin said the family had made an explicit request for privacy.
“The family has also asked that at this time their privacy be respected,” he said.
Cr Raven echoed that request and urged residents struggling with the tragedy to seek support.
“Her family has asked for privacy as they navigate these difficult days,” Cr Raven said.
“There is no right way to feel after an incident like this. If you’re struggling or simply need someone to talk to, please reach out for support.”
Mr Holzberger said his office could help residents connect with support services.
“Our office is here for the community, and at the very least, we’re able to help connect people with other services. My door is always open.”
Amid the tragedy, Detective Inspector Galpin also thanked members of the public who stepped forward to help the wounded before emergency services arrived.
He said people at the venue had provided first aid, called emergency services and assisted police and paramedics in the confusion.
“My gratitude certainly goes out to those people,” he said.
Now, police are asking others in the community to step forward too.
Detective Inspector Galpin said he was confident investigators would identify those responsible and bring them before the courts.
But he urged anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward.
“It doesn’t matter how small that information will be. Every little bit counts.”
Anyone with information can contact Policelink on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
Those wishing to support Vana-Reese’s grieving whānau can contribute to the family’s GoFundMe fundraiser.
