Brisbane woman dies after pub drive-by shooting

Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, 19, died on Thursday morning after being struck in the head and neck by gunfire on Saturday night. The attack occurred outside Fitzy's Loganholme, a pub in Brisbane's south, where masked gunmen fired into a crowd. Schuster-Togiatau, who lived in Jimboomba, was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she later passed away. Three other men, aged 27, 37, and 38, were also hospitalized; one is recovering from surgery while the other two have been released.

The shooting happened during a boxing event at the venue. By Thursday, approximately 80 police officers were actively working the murder case. Detective Inspector Ian Galpin, who appeared emotional during a press briefing, confirmed the victim's death and offered condolences to her loved ones. He noted that the family asked for privacy and described them as "not doing well." Galpin stated he could not imagine the hurt they were enduring during this difficult time.

Authorities are currently searching for the shooters. Galpin said some community members know exactly who was involved and why the attack occurred. He asked those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information. "We will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody," he said. He also urged the public 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."

Police are examining possible links to organized crime. Galpin said the investigation is keeping an open mind regarding gang involvement. If the inquiry leads to the identification of gang members, their associates, or other forms of organized crime, the scope of the investigation will certainly expand.

The next steps involve a continued search for suspects and potential expansion of the probe if organized crime connections are confirmed. The victim's family remains in the hospital or at home, respecting the privacy requested by relatives.