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Police have called for calm as they attempt to piece together why a 16-year-old boy died after allegedly being stabbed by a man known to him in Brisbane’s CBD on Thursday night.
Queensland police allege the teenager, identified as Yannis Leulusoo, was stabbed in the stomach by a man known to him at Emma Miller Place, near Roma Street Station, at 8pm.
He staggered to King George Square where he collapsed on his back before he was found by a bystander who called police.
Despite the best efforts of police, paramedics, and staff at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Yannis passed away.
Detective Superintendent Tony Fleming said a full team of detectives, forensic co-ordinators and intelligence officers had launched an investigation, with the alleged offender still on the run as of Friday morning.
Police allege the two young men had a conversation in Queen Street Mall about 7.30pm.
“There is no evidence to indicate any violence or tension at that time,” Superintendent Fleming said.
“Shortly after, the victim, offender and some other associates have moved towards Emma Miller Place. At one point, CCTV shows the offender and victim were in close proximity, appearing to be having a conversation.
“There doesn’t appear to be any tensions at that time.”
Superintendent Fleming said what happened next is the focus of the investigation. He said Yannis was unexpectedly stabbed in the abdomen, causing “very significant injuries”.
Yannis stumbled to Suncorp Plaza where he lay down until he was found, while the offender was seen fleeing in the direction of Roma Street Parklands.
“These people were together in some way. It is not a random incident … There is some sort of relationship between the men,” he said.
“To the young man responsible for this incident … I am absolutely confident we will locate you.”
According to Yannis’ social media profile, he was a student at Woodcrest State College.
When questioned over whether there was suspected youth gang involvement surrounding the incident, Superintendent Fleming said that could form part of the investigation but urged people to remain calm.
“If there is going to be ongoing tensions … We don’t want this to get worse,” he said.
“If people are unhappy, retaliatory actions aren’t going to benefit anyone. Everyone loses out on that.
“Everyone just calm down. We’re trying to locate this person … We expect to put a case before the court.”
Superintendent Fleming said officers were examining CCTV footage, but said there was so far no evidence to suggest the conversation would escalate to death.
“There is absolutely (no reason why) anyone in that city space would have had any reason to think that … a young man was going to die,” he said.
“I suspect the young man who died had no reason to suspect this would unfold.”
Tributes have begun appearing on social media for the 16-year-old.
“You may rest in love and peace dear cous (sic),” Iutita Tito Suilaulau wrote.
“So hard to believe you’re gone Yannis. RIL champ,” Esther Opetaia wrote.
Superintendent Fleming urged anyone who witnessed the attack or knew anything that may help the investigation to come forward.
“I encourage people, if you have information … make yourself known,” he said.
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