Police have charged two teenage boys with murder following investigations into the sudden death of 57-year-old Zdravko Bilic in Warana on the Sunshine Coast.
Emergency services were called to a Napalle Street address around 7.35pm on Monday 14 July, following reports a neighbour had found the man unresponsive in his front yard.
The man was declared dead at the scene and a crime scene was established.
Following extensive investigations, police will allege a disturbance occurred at the address, resulting in the 57-year-old man sustaining fatal stab wounds.
Sunshine Coast Detectives have charged a 15-year-old West Woombye boy and a 17-year-old Beerwah boy with murder.
They were both set to appear at Maroochydore Childrens Court on 17 July.
Sunshine Coast Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said police would allege that on Sunday night two youths entered Mr Bilic’s house in relation to a break and enter.
“During that time, they were disturbed by Mr Bilic, at which time an altercation occurred and as a result of that altercation he received two fatal stab wounds,” Detective Inspector Toohey said.
“Mr Bilic is a proud member of the community through his links with coaching soccer, as well as the employment he had in childcare centres,” Toohey said.
“He will be well missed by this community.”
In a statement released by police on Thursday 17 July, wife of deceased, Gry Tømte, said her husband Zed was her entire world for 28 years.
“And the void he leaves behind is unbearable,” she said.
“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.
“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.
“He selflessly, and with much pride, stood in the shadow 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.
“He was an avid soccer fan – he’d fly down to go to matches with his close group of friends – in 10 years I think he missed 2 Melbourne Victory games!
“He was the MLP (most loved person) in his soccer teams – both in Melbourne and on the Sunshine Coast. And he loved them right back.
“He was the kind of friend who would drop everything to help anyone. And even if you weren’t his friend, if he saw you on the street he’d smile, have a chat – and if you needed help he’d treat you the same way.
“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.
“He was loved by more people that I can put into words.”
