Outline:
A Tragic Crime on the Sunshine Coast
A third teenager has been charged in connection with the murder of Zdravko “Zed” Bilic, a 57-year-old man who was allegedly stabbed outside his multimillion-dollar home on the Sunshine Coast. The incident occurred when Mr Bilic was confronted by two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, who had broken into his Warana property around 11:30pm on July 13.
Following extensive investigations, an 18-year-old woman from Bethania was arrested on Tuesday. Police have released footage of the moment the teenager was taken into custody at a property. In the video, an officer can be heard saying, “At this time, we’re placing you under arrest, OK?” as the teenager stood in the doorway before being escorted to the back of a police car.
The woman faces multiple charges, including murder, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering with intent, burglary, attempted break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, and attempted burglary. She is scheduled to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The Night of the Tragedy
Mr Bilic was at home alone on the Sunday night inside his beachside Warana home, just metres from the shore. His wife, Gry Tomte, a skincare business founder, was interstate on business at the time. According to police, the 57-year-old was stabbed twice in the abdomen after confronting two teenage intruders.
His wife became concerned when she couldn’t reach him and asked a neighbour to check in. The neighbour found his body lying on the front lawn about 7:30pm on the following Monday.
Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told media that the altercation appeared to have started inside the house before spilling onto the front yard. “As a result of that altercation, he received two fatal stab wounds,” Inspector Toohey said.
A Beloved Figure in the Community
Mr Bilic, originally from Europe, was a deeply loved figure on the Sunshine Coast. He was known for his kind nature, volunteer work as a junior soccer coach, and infectious positivity. His wife of more than two decades, Ms Tomte, described him as “the kindest, gentlest person I’ve ever known.”
“He was my entire world for 28 years … The world is a little less bright without him in it,” Ms Tomte said in a statement. On social media, she expressed her immense grief, stating, “There’s no way I can capture the immense grief I feel over losing the most beautiful man … he was my everything.”
Tributes poured in from friends, neighbours, and teammates from Mr Bilic’s local soccer clubs, where he was fondly known as “Zed.” One teammate remembered him as a “beautiful man with a smile and presence that would light up a room.” Another said, “You couldn’t not like him.”
The Investigation and Arrests
Officers allege the teenagers had committed multiple break-ins in the days prior to Mr Bilic’s death, including properties in Brisbane and on the coast. Using mobile phone tracking data, detectives followed a trail that stretched more than 100km. The 17-year-old was arrested after getting off a bus in Toowoomba, while the 15-year-old was apprehended in Chermside.
Police also claim to have recovered the knife believed to be the murder weapon, which is undergoing forensic analysis. The teenage boys were charged with murder and break-and-enter offences. After an initial court appearance, both were remanded in custody, with a committal mention set for September 10.
During the court proceedings, lawyers raised concerns over incorrectly signed DNA applications, one by a relative instead of a legal guardian. The applications were withdrawn and are expected to be refiled.
Legal Implications and Community Impact
Under Queensland’s “adult crime, adult time” laws, introduced after the 2024 election, a juvenile convicted of murder faces a mandatory life sentence. While the legal process begins to unfold, the community is still grappling with the loss of a man who was widely admired, loved, and respected.
In one of his public posts, Mr Bilic had written about how excited he was to start a new chapter of life on the Sunshine Coast after moving from Melbourne. His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, and the community continues to mourn the loss of a man whose kindness and positivity touched so many lives.