19-year-old on night out dies after gunmen open fire outside pub

A 19-year-old woman who was critically injured after being shot by masked gunmen during a drive-by shooting on the weekend has died as assailants remain at large six days after the incident.

Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau from Jimboomba in the city of Logan, Queensland, was among four people who were injured after masked gunmen opened fire on a crowd of people outside Fitzy’s Loganholme, Queensland police said.

She died in the Princess Alexandra hospital on Thursday morning.

The woman was shot in the head and neck and underwent surgeries at the hospital.

The shooting unfolded at around 8.18pm on Saturday when a Mitsubishi pulled up near a group of people gathered in the passenger drop-off zone outside Fitzy’s.

A manhunt was launched for three men and accomplices, detective inspector Ian Galpin said, adding that the matter was now a homicide investigation.

Detective Galpin appeared visibly emotional as he announced the young woman’s death to the media.

"A 19-year-old woman in the prime of her life who was simply going out for a night out with friends has had her life taken from her in the most cowardly way," he said.

"We have not stopped and we will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody."

He offered his condolences to the family and friends of Schuster-Togiatau and said that about 80 police officers were involved in the murder investigation.

“There are people out there who know exactly who was involved in this offence and exactly why this occurred.

“I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information.”

Detective Galpin said the victim’s family was “not doing well” and requested their privacy be respected.

“It’s an incredibly difficult time for them, I can’t imagine the hurt that they’re going through,” he said.

The detective said they were keeping an open mind in the investigation as it could be related to possible gang involvement. “We will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody,” he said.

“If that leads to the identification of gang members, their associates or other forms of organised crime, then that will certainly expand the scope of our investigation.”

The three others injured were men, aged 27, 37 and 38 and were admitted to the hospital for treatment. One of them is recovering from surgery while the other two have been released.

Logan City mayor Jon Raven said he was "deeply saddened" by the passing of Schuster-Togiatau.

"The 19-year-old Logan local was deeply loved by her family, friends and community," Mr Raven said.

"I cannot comprehend the pain they are going through."

A GoFundMe page "supporting Vana-Reese” and her family was set up earlier this week. The campaign has raised more than $53,000 (£27,987) with a target of $70,000.

"From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, kindness and support during this heartbreaking time," it said.