Outline:
A Teenager Accused of a Series of Crimes, Including the Murder of a Beloved Community Member
A teenager has been accused of committing a series of violent crimes, including the murder of a well-known community member in a quiet suburb on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The alleged incidents unfolded over a four-day period, leaving a trail of fear and devastation in their wake.
The 18-year-old, Kieysha Jade Sky, is now facing multiple charges, including murder, armed robbery, and assault. She was arrested in Toowoomba, nearly three hours from the scene of the alleged crime, after being linked to a string of break-ins and violent acts.
The victim, Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead in his suburban yard on the night of July 14. He had been stabbed twice during a break-in that occurred around 11:30pm on July 13—about 20 hours before his body was discovered. His death shocked the local community, especially since he was known as a beloved husband, father, and soccer coach.
Sky is the third person charged with Mr. Bilic’s murder. Earlier, two boys aged 15 and 17 were also charged in connection with the case. The teenager has also been implicated in several other criminal activities during the same time frame.
On the same day as Mr. Bilic’s death, Sky allegedly broke into a home in the northern Brisbane suburb of McDowall. There, she was accused of assaulting a woman and committing armed robbery. Just 20 minutes from the scene of the fatal stabbing, this incident further highlights the extent of her alleged actions.
In addition to the break-in in McDowall, Sky was also accused of attempting to break into a property in Nirimba, which is about 15km from Mr. Bilic’s home. She was later charged with breaking into a home in the Logan suburb of Waterford and stealing car keys and a vehicle between July 11 and 14.
Prosecutors have also alleged that Sky stole a vehicle in Bethania and made multiple attempts to break into another home in McDowall. She was also charged with stealing property during this time.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Sky did not appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court when her case was mentioned. Her defence solicitor, Brad Skuse, requested that the matter be transferred to Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast for further proceedings.
Mr. Bilic was found dead at the beachside home he shared with his wife, Gry Tomte, who is the founder of a multimillion-dollar skincare business. At the time of the incident, Ms. Tomte was not at home and had asked a neighbour to check on her husband after not hearing from him.
The discovery of Mr. Bilic’s body by the neighbour around 7:30pm led to an outpouring of grief from the community. Mr. Bilic was a popular figure in the quiet suburb of Warana, where many people knew him as a kind and generous man.
Ms. Tomte expressed her sorrow in a previous statement, saying: “If you’ve had the privilege of being in Zed’s presence, you’ll know that he was literal sunshine… and the world is a little less bright without him in it.”
Magistrate Michelle Dooley ordered that Sky be remanded in custody ahead of the next court appearance, which is scheduled for September 29 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court.
The Impact on the Community
The tragic events have left the community reeling. Neighbours and friends of Mr. Bilic have come together to support his wife, showing the deep connections he had with those around him. His death has prompted discussions about safety and the need for vigilance in the area.
As the legal process continues, the community awaits justice for a man who was more than just a resident—he was a pillar of the local area. The case has raised questions about youth crime and the need for stronger community support systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.