Key Takeaways
- A 38-year-old Brazilian national, Guilherme Dal Bo, has been charged with one count of murder and seven counts of attempted murder after allegedly driving into a group of pedestrians in Queensland.
- The incident occurred on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, resulting in the death of 24-year-old Mallee Smith and injuries to three other pedestrians.
- The accused had an altercation with a group of men before allegedly driving into the group of pedestrians, which included six men and two women.
- Mallee Smith was a bright young woman from New South Wales, who was visiting the Sunshine Coast to surprise a family member during the holidays.
- The community has come together to pay tribute to Ms Smith, remembering her as a wonderful, bright, and talented young lady.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating incident occurred on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old New South Wales woman, Mallee Smith. The incident involved a 38-year-old Brazilian national, Guilherme Dal Bo, who has been charged with one count of murder and seven counts of attempted murder. According to police, Mr. Dal Bo allegedly drove into a group of eight pedestrians, which included six men and two women, after having an altercation with a group of men while driving a Toyota Yaris on Aerodrome Road, Maroochydore.
The Alleged Attack
The alleged attack occurred just before midnight on Saturday, when Mr. Dal Bo drove off after the altercation and returned a short time later, mounting a footpath and striking the group of people. Mallee Smith was critically injured in the alleged attack and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital in the early hours of Sunday. Unfortunately, she died on Monday. Three other pedestrians, including two 18-year-old men and a 19-year-old man, were taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries on Sunday.
The Victim and Her Community
Mallee Smith was a bright young woman from the NSW south coast, who was visiting the Sunshine Coast to surprise a family member during the holidays. She was fondly remembered as a wonderful, bright, and talented young lady, who was involved in her community. Ms. Smith worked at Shellharbour City Council, and her sudden passing has shocked her close-knit team as well as the staff. The council spokesperson said, "Her sudden passing has shocked her close-knit team as well as our staff. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time."
Tributes to the Victim
The community has come together to pay tribute to Mallee Smith, remembering her as a wonderful, bright, and talented young lady. Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mathew Hatcher said his heart went out to her friends and family, describing her as "a very bright spark in this world with so much ahead of her." Bateman’s Bay Sailing Club also shared a tribute to Ms. Smith and her family, saying, "Mallee was a regular at the BBSC sailing camps when she was a young child, had just started her career after graduating with honours and had her whole life ahead of her." The Eurobodalla Netball Association also paid tribute to Ms. Smith, saying, "A wonderful, bright, talented, young lady … a friend to many from our netball community. Rest in peace Mallee."
The Accused and the Court Proceedings
Guilherme Dal Bo, the accused, was arrested at a nearby residence on Alexandra Parade and was charged with one count of murder and seven counts of attempted murder. His charge of attempted murder relating to Ms. Smith was upgraded to murder in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday. Mr. Dal Bo was remanded in custody, and his case was adjourned to February 9. Outside court, police had previously said Ms. Smith was struck while minding her own business, walking on the side of the road. The incident has left the community in shock, and the court proceedings will continue in the coming months.
