Logan community mourns after Boxing event shooting claims young life

The search for two masked gunmen involved in a shooting outside Fitzys Loganholme pub has escalated to a homicide investigation.

Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, 19, tragically died in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and neck.

Police are currently working to identify the two suspects and another individual believed to have assisted in their escape. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, with authorities exploring potential links to organized crime.

On Saturday, October 24th, SHDW Boxing hosted its annual fight night at Fitzys Loganholme. During an intermission, a crowd gathered in the passenger drop-off zone. Approximately 7:45 PM, a Mitsubishi ASX with no visible license plates was observed near a different Fitzys location, approximately 10 kilometers away. The vehicle contained two masked and armed men.

Around 8:15 PM, the Mitsubishi approached the drop-off zone at Fitzys Loganholme, where the gunmen fired at least six shots into the crowd. Four people were injured: Zachary Uchtman, 38, sustained wounds to the abdomen and arm, while Brodie Blackwood, 27, and Kane Barrett, 37, were both shot in the abdomen. CCTV footage and witness accounts confirm the presence of two males in the car wearing balaclavas and gloves.

Following the shooting at 8:18 PM, police arrived at the scene, declaring a crime scene and receiving assistance from paramedics and bystanders. Witnesses helped to provide first aid to the victims, while others moved the remaining crowd inside the pub.

Approximately 35 minutes later, the Mitsubishi ASX was discovered ablaze on Maloney Road in Waterford West, where police say a second vehicle picked up the suspects. A dual-cab utility was later set alight on Beenleigh-Beaudesert Road near Mount Tamborine and seized for forensic examination.

Logan resident Shae Hilton expressed her shock and anger, stating, “This place has been such a family place for so long and seeing this has actually put goosebumps through my body.”

Detective Inspector Ian Galpin confirmed police are pursuing multiple leads and are involved with Task Force Maxima, a specialist unit investigating outlaw motorcycle gangs. Premier David Crisafulli condemned the incident as a “horrendous crime,” while Logan Mayor Jon Raven emphasized that the perpetrators do not represent the community.

Chief Superintendent Mel Adams stated there is “no indication” the victims were targeted and that police are exploring all avenues.

As of Tuesday, October 27th, Brodie Blackwood and Kane Barrett were released from the hospital, while Zachary Uchtman remains in treatment. Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau was initially on life support but tragically passed away on Thursday, October 29th.

Logan MP Linus Power offered condolences to the family, and Detective Inspector Galpin urged anyone with information to come forward.

More than 80 detectives are now involved in the investigation, and police are keeping all possibilities open, including potential connections to motorcycle gangs. Police Minister Dan Purdie assured the community that the perpetrators will be brought to justice, warning those with information to cooperate with authorities.