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News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Coastal haven rocked: The alleged home invasion that ended in murder
Zdravko 'Zed' Bilic was likely enjoying a peaceful Sunday night in, unwinding alone inside his beachside Warana home just metres from the shore. But within hours, the 57-year-old would be fatally stabbed, allegedly confronting two teenage intruders. A horrifying act that has shattered his family, stunned the community and led to two boys being charged with murder. Police allege Mr Bilic was confronted by two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, who had broken into the Napalle St property about 11.30pm on July 13. According to detectives, the boys stole the keys to Mr Bilic's car and, during a confrontation, stabbed him twice in the abdomen. Mr Bilic's wife, skincare business founder Gry Tomte, was interstate on a business trip at the time and became concerned when she couldn't reach him. She asked a neighbour to check in. What the neighbour found the following evening, about 7.30pm on Monday, was devastating: Mr Bilic's body lying on the front lawn. Authorities believe he may have been there for several hours. Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told media the altercation appeared to have begun inside the house before spilling onto the front yard. 'As a result of that altercation, he received two fatal stab wounds,' Inspector Toohey said. Mr Bilic, originally from Europe, was a deeply loved figure on the Sunshine Coast, known for his kind nature, volunteer work as a junior soccer coach and infectious positivity. His death has left a gaping hole in the lives of many. His wife of more than two decades, Ms Tomte, has spoken openly about the unimaginable heartache she now faces. 'There is no way I can capture the immense grief I feel over losing the most beautiful man … he was my everything,' she said on social media. In a formal statement released via police, she 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. The heartbreak she now carries is shared across the community. Tributes have 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.' 'His smile and his sparkly eyes made you comfortable the minute you met him,' they said. As police scoured the Sunshine Coast and beyond, the investigation quickly led to two suspects. Officers allege the teenagers 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. The 15-year-old was apprehended in Chermside. Police also claim to have recovered the knife believed to be the murder weapon that is undergoing forensic analysis. Detective Inspector Toohey said the investigation was 'multifaceted' and ongoing, involving interviews with youths across the region to build a complete picture. 'We will allege two youths entered Mr Bilic's house on Sunday night in relation to a break and enter,' Inspector Toohey said. 'We are still talking to people around the community and a lot of youths around the Sunshine Coast.' The teenagers were charged with murder and break-and-enter offences, with the matters mentioned in Maroochydore Children's Court on Thursday. Both were remanded in custody, with a committal mention set for September 10. The court was told both boys came from troubled backgrounds. One is under his relative's guardianship, with both parents in jail. The other is in the long-term care of the Department of Child Safety. 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. 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. Ms Tomte recalled how Mr Bilic, who had recently moved with her from Melbourne, had a habit of stopping to help anyone in need, even lost dogs on the street. 'He was the kind of man who on several occasions would quickly detour when we saw a lost dog, whether on a bike or in a car, and without hesitation footy tackle them to stop them in their tracks to make sure we could get them home safely to their families,' Ms Tomte said. She said he was an 'exceptional male role model' through his work with Ginger Sport, where he was loved by the children he coached across Sunshine Coast childcare centres. 'It was so clear to me and everyone who saw this that he was a superhero to the little kids he worked with,' she said. 'Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo, there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling 'Coach Zed, Coach Zed!'' 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. 'There is a new chapter in our life and it starts with a move to the Sunshine Coast,' he wrote in March 2022. 'Definitely will miss the day-to-day Melbourne way … but we are super excited with our new adventure.' That new chapter was cruelly cut short. Police say Warana remains one of the safest parts of the Sunshine Coast, but this incident has rattled that sense of security. 'We pride ourselves on having, trying to maintain a safer environment for all our residents,' Inspector Toohey said. 'So (Mr Bilic's death) is a shock. It makes us more vigilant to maintain that level of safety and make sure that we hold the (alleged) offenders to account.' Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie offered their condolences. Mr Bleijie called the crime 'sickening'. For Ms Tomte, no words can capture what's been lost. 'From the moment we met … we knew instantly we were each other's 'person',' Ms Tomte said. 'He was loved by more people than I can put into words. If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
‘Superhero': How stabbing rocked community
Zdravko 'Zed' Bilic was likely enjoying a peaceful Sunday night in, unwinding alone inside his beachside Warana home just metres from the shore. But within hours, the 57-year-old would be fatally stabbed, allegedly confronting two teenage intruders. A horrifying act that has shattered his family, stunned the community and led to two boys being charged with murder. Police allege Mr Bilic was confronted by two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, who had broken into the Napalle St property about 11.30pm on July 13. According to detectives, the boys stole the keys to Mr Bilic's car and, during a confrontation, stabbed him twice in the abdomen. Mr Bilic's wife, skincare business founder Gry Tomte, was interstate on a business trip at the time and became concerned when she couldn't reach him. She asked a neighbour to check in. What the neighbour found the following evening, about 7.30pm on Monday, was devastating: Mr Bilic's body lying on the front lawn. Authorities believe he may have been there for several hours. Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told media the altercation appeared to have begun inside the house before spilling onto the front yard. 'As a result of that altercation, he received two fatal stab wounds,' Inspector Toohey said. Mr Bilic, originally from Europe, was a deeply loved figure on the Sunshine Coast, known for his kind nature, volunteer work as a junior soccer coach and infectious positivity. His death has left a gaping hole in the lives of many. His wife of more than two decades, Ms Tomte, has spoken openly about the unimaginable heartache she now faces. 'There is no way I can capture the immense grief I feel over losing the most beautiful man … he was my everything,' she said on social media. In a formal statement released via police, she 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. The heartbreak she now carries is shared across the community. Tributes have 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.' 'His smile and his sparkly eyes made you comfortable the minute you met him,' they said. As police scoured the Sunshine Coast and beyond, the investigation quickly led to two suspects. Officers allege the teenagers 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. The 15-year-old was apprehended in Chermside. Police also claim to have recovered the knife believed to be the murder weapon that is undergoing forensic analysis. Detective Inspector Toohey said the investigation was 'multifaceted' and ongoing, involving interviews with youths across the region to build a complete picture. 'We will allege two youths entered Mr Bilic's house on Sunday night in relation to a break and enter,' Inspector Toohey said. 'We are still talking to people around the community and a lot of youths around the Sunshine Coast.' The teenagers were charged with murder and break-and-enter offences, with the matters mentioned in Maroochydore Children's Court on Thursday. Both were remanded in custody, with a committal mention set for September 10. The court was told both boys came from troubled backgrounds. One is under his relative's guardianship, with both parents in jail. The other is in the long-term care of the Department of Child Safety. 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. 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. Ms Tomte recalled how Mr Bilic, who had recently moved with her from Melbourne, had a habit of stopping to help anyone in need, even lost dogs on the street. 'He was the kind of man who on several occasions would quickly detour when we saw a lost dog, whether on a bike or in a car, and without hesitation footy tackle them to stop them in their tracks to make sure we could get them home safely to their families,' Ms Tomte said. She said he was an 'exceptional male role model' through his work with Ginger Sport, where he was loved by the children he coached across Sunshine Coast childcare centres. 'It was so clear to me and everyone who saw this that he was a superhero to the little kids he worked with,' she said. 'Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo, there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling 'Coach Zed, Coach Zed!'' 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. 'There is a new chapter in our life and it starts with a move to the Sunshine Coast,' he wrote in March 2022. 'Definitely will miss the day-to-day Melbourne way … but we are super excited with our new adventure.' That new chapter was cruelly cut short. Police say Warana remains one of the safest parts of the Sunshine Coast, but this incident has rattled that sense of security. 'We pride ourselves on having, trying to maintain a safer environment for all our residents,' Inspector Toohey said. 'So (Mr Bilic's death) is a shock. It makes us more vigilant to maintain that level of safety and make sure that we hold the (alleged) offenders to account.' Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie offered their condolences. Mr Bleijie called the crime 'sickening'. For Ms Tomte, no words can capture what's been lost. 'From the moment we met … we knew instantly we were each other's 'person',' Ms Tomte said. 'He was loved by more people than I can put into words. If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
Shocking twist after two teens were charged over the death of a Queensland millionaire during an alleged violent break-in
Two teens charged with the murder of a man found dead in the front yard of his home have lengthy criminal histories and were allegedly involved in at least two robberies in the days prior. Zdravko Bilic, 57, the husband of skincare mogul Gry Tomte, was allegedly stabbed outside the couple's home in Warana on Queensland 's Sunshine Coast, on Monday. Emergency services rushed to the scene after a neighbour reported Mr Bilic was unresponsive in his front yard. He is believed to have been stabbed twice in the stomach after he allegedly confronted a thief breaking into his $2.5million five-bedroom home. Police made a breakthrough on Thursday morning when they charged two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, with murder. One was arrested as he got off a bus, while the other was arrested on a street on Wednesday night. New details emerged when the teens appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday, where they were remanded in custody. The court heard that both the parents of one boy were in prison, while the other teen was in foster care. It's understood both teens were known to police and the Department of Child Safety, The Courier Mail reported. Police will allege the boys were involved in another break-in on the night of the alleged murder, and another in the days prior. 'We will be alleging a number of break-and-enters for the boys,' Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said. 'The vehicle was a stolen car from Brisbane, there were linked offences to that car and they have been charged with some of those offences.' He added that investigations into Mr Bilic's death continue. Police have also located the alleged murder weapon – a knife – which is undergoing forensic testing. The matter has been adjourned and will return to court on September 10. Thursday's breakthrough came as Ms Tomte, the founder of HÜD Skin and Body clinic, opened up about the heartbreak of losing her 'entire world' of 28 years. The teens (one pictured during his arrest) were remanded in custody when they faced court The couple were due to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary next month. 'We were complete opposites – and together we made a whole. People say I'm the strong one – but I could only be strong because he allowed me to be, and because he wrapped his arms around me daily to make sure I could,' Ms Tomte said. 'He selflessly, and with much pride, stood in the shadows and pushed me forward. 'But apart from being my world, and that of his family and close friends, he was so much to others too.' She recalled how one neighbour described him as 'the whole street's favourite person.' '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,' Ms Tomte said.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
Skincare mogul reveals heartbreaking 11-word comment after husband Zdravko Bilic was allegedly stabbed to death - as video emerges of two teens being arrested
A skincare mogul whose husband was allegedly stabbed to death has revealed the heartbreaking 11-word comment her neighbour made after the horrific attack. Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead by a neighbour in the front yard of his home on Queensland 's Sunshine Coast in the suburb of Warana at about 7.35pm on Monday. He is believed to have been stabbed twice in the stomach after allegedly confronting a thief breaking into their $2.5million five-bedroom home. His wife Gry Tomte, who founded successful HÜD Skin and Body clinic, released a full statement through Queensland Police describing the 'unbearable void' left behind. 'Zed was my entire world for 28 years,' she said on Thursday. 'From the moment we met, both of us living away from family in the new country we had fallen in love with, we knew instantly we were each others' 'person'. 'We were complete opposites – and together we made a whole.' Ms Tomte described the love others had for her husband, who was the MLP (most loved person) in his soccer teams. She said a neighbour made an 11-word comment that captured how beloved Mr Bilic had been: 'No offence Gry, but he was the whole street's favourite person.' Ms Tomte said her husband's biggest legacy is his work with Ginger Sport, a weekly soccer organisation for children in Queensland. 'Coach Zed as he was known, he was an exceptional male role model for the kids he worked with at the early childhood centres up here on the coast,' she said. 'Whether we were walking on the beach, going to the mall, or visiting the zoo – there would always be a little, enthusiastic excited voice yelling 'coach zed, coach zed!'.' She also described how some of the children he taught would tease each other with the joking accusation 'stinky socks'. He was her 'superhero', she said, recalling how he would 'drop everything to help anyone' or detour when he saw a lost dog. '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,' she said. Her statement came following the news that police had charged two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, with murder on Thursday morning. Footage shared by Queensland Police revealed one of the boys was arrested as he walked off a bus. The other boy was arrested on the street during the night. Detectives believe his body lay in the home's front yard for hours before his worried wife, who was interstate at the time, raised the alarm when she didn't hear from him. Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey told reporters the boys allegedly stole items, such as Mr Bilic's car keys, before being confronted by him. It is alleged an altercation may have started inside the home before Mr Bilic ended up on the front lawn, reported. Insp Toohey also said the two teenagers had been charged with break-and-enter offences two days before the alleged stabbing which were unrelated. 'We will allege they broke into another address on the Sunshine Coast as well as another in Brisbane,' he said. The investigation remains ongoing. The glamorous couple, who were due to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary next month, had relocated from Melbourne in 2022 to begin their 'new adventure'. 'I think two years of continuous lockdown and bull***t really took away the shine for me re Melbourne,' Ms Tomte, 53, wrote on social media at the time. 'We are both so happy we made the decision. And now friends can visit our beautiful new home.' The lavish luxury home boasts a stunning lap pool next to the open-plan entertaining area and was just metres from the nearby beach. It was a welcome escape from the bleak lockdowns in Victoria, and both said they were 'so happy,' with their new lifestyle. 'I had the pleasure of calling Melbourne home for almost half my life,' Mr Bilic, known as Zed by friends, posted on Instagram. 'So many fantastic memories with beautiful family and friends at some great events and places.'
News.com.au
5 days ago
- News.com.au
‘My vision': Queensland move ends in tragedy for skincare power couple
The power couple behind a multimillion-dollar skincare brand moved from Melbourne to Queensland to escape 'continuous lockdowns' in 2022, but the sea-change would end in tragedy after the husband was stabbed to death in front of their beach home this week. Zdravko Bilic, 57, was stabbed multiple times in the stomach outside the couple's $2.5 million home on the Sunshine Coast on Monday around 7.30pm after what police are calling a 'disturbance' outside the five-bedroom home in Warrana. On Thursday morning, two teenage boys, aged 15 and 17, were charged with the man's death. Mr Bilic's wife Gry Tomte, 53, is the founder of HUD, a high-end skin brand, and detailed how the couple moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2022 after Covid-19. Ms Tomte told her social media followers that the lockdowns had taken the 'shine' off Melbourne. She said she and Mr Bilic could not be happier with the decision to pack up and move to the Sunshine Coast in 2022, taking their two huskies with them. 'My vision four years ago was to create the life I'm lucky to live right now,' she wrote. 'Two years ago I would have never in a million years believed that I'd be doing a different job and living in another state 100 meters from miles of beach front.' Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said Mr Bilic was home alone at the time. He said Mr Bilic's wife was away on a business trip and raised the alarm when she had not heard from her husband for some time. '[Ms Tomte] was concerned because she hadn't heard from him and as a result spoke to the neighbour who made the emergency call,' he said. Mr Bilic and Ms Tomte purchased the Sunshine Coast house in December 2021 before settling into the home in March the following year. Inspector Toohey said Mr Bilic was a 'valued member of the community' and that his 'terrible' death shocked their neighbours. 'He is a community-minded person that was well-loved in the area,' he told reporters. Warana is considered one of the safest areas of the Sunshine Coast, known for its up-market homes and stretches of beaches. 'We pride ourselves on having, trying to maintain a safer environment for all our residents and of course being a tourist destination – we also like for people coming to visit to feel safe,' Inspector Toohey said. 'So [Mr Bilic's death] is a shock. 'It makes us more vigilant to maintain that level of safety and make sure that we hold the [alleged] offenders to account.' Tomte makes statement On Thursday morning, Ms Tomte made a statement about her husband's death on Instagram. 'I know many of you have read and seen the news,' she said. 'There is no way I can capture the immense grief I feel over losing the most beautiful man. 'My world from 28 years.' Mr Bilic's social media pages are filled with overseas adventures alongside Ms Tomte, including trips of Europe and the United States. A keen soccer fan, Mr Bilic previously worked for a bus company while the pair were living in Melbourne. Mr Bilic was born in Zagreb, Croatia, however, the pair spent a long stint in Canada before making Australia their permanent home.
