A 19-year-old woman shot in the head and neck during a live boxing event at a south Brisbane pub remains in a critical condition, as her childhood best friend mourns the carefree night out that ended in tragedy. Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, from Jimboomba, was among four people struck by gunfire at Fitzy's in Loganholme on Saturday night, in what police believe was a premeditated attack with possible links to organised crime.
What happened at Fitzy's in Loganholme
Police allege that during an intermission in the boxing card, a car pulled into the venue's drop-off zone and two men wearing balaclavas and gloves opened fire from the front passenger window. More than 100 people were inside at the time, including families with young children attending the live sporting event.
Schuster-Togiatau was struck in the head and neck and was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she remains in a critical condition. Detectives have described her as an innocent bystander caught up in what they believe was a targeted attack. Three men, aged 27, 37 and 38, were also hit by gunfire and hospitalised with abdominal wounds. The oldest of the three men sustained an additional wound to his arm.
Investigators examining the 2026 Logan pub shooting say elements of pre-planning suggest the gunmen had a specific purpose, and police are actively exploring connections to organised crime networks. Authorities have renewed their public appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
Best friend's heartbreak over Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau
Bella Annakin, who has known Schuster-Togiatau since they met in Grade 3 at Flagstone State School, spoke openly about the devastation of learning her closest friend was fighting for her life. The pair had continued their schooling together at Flagstone State Community College and remained close after graduation.
"She was the bubbliest girl, always happy, just the light of the room," Annakin said. "She was just working, living her life, going out. Just being young like she should've been."
Annakin said the two had been in contact via Snapchat on the very day of the shooting, with Schuster-Togiatau sharing photos of herself and her boyfriend dressed up and ready for a night out. "I've actually never seen her happier," Annakin said of the couple.
It was not until friends reached out to her that Annakin realised her childhood companion was among those shot. The news struck her as incomprehensible. "To me, it's just an utter shock," she said. "You question why. Like, why would it happen to her?"
Annakin described her grief in terms of a future now thrown into uncertainty: the milestones, the celebrations and the life they had expected to share. "You think, 'yeah, I'm going to be seeing you at your wedding, I will see you have a kid one day, I'll see you blossom into the human you want to be,'" she said. "You picture what your life is going to be like in 20 years."
Schuster-Togiatau had finished school less than a year before the shooting and had been working and enjoying her first taste of adult life. "It could've been anyone," Annakin said. "It just, unfortunately, happened to be her."
Queensland Premier responds as investigation continues
The shooting was raised in the Queensland Parliament, with Premier David Crisafulli expressing solidarity with the victims and pledging that authorities would pursue those responsible. "Our thoughts are with those victims and we'll make every effort to ensure those responsible are brought to justice," he said.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and are urging anyone who was at the venue or has relevant information to assist their inquiry. No arrests have been publicly confirmed at this stage.
For more background on the teen Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau identified as critically injured in the Logan pub shooting, including earlier details as the story developed, further coverage is available.
