The twin sister of a man injured in a shooting outside a Queensland pub has made an emotional appeal for support as he begins what is expected to be a long recovery.
Zachary Uchtman, 27, was one of four people wounded when gunmen opened fire outside Fitzy’s Hotel in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, on October 24.
Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, 19, was also injured in the shooting. She later died at Princess Alexandra Hospital on Thursday morning.
Mr Uchtman’s twin sister, Amy, described him as ‘brave and incredibly strong’ but said he still faced a challenging road ahead.
‘I’m reaching out on behalf of my twin brother Zach who was heartbreakingly shot at Fitzy’s Pub last weekend,’ she said in a GoFundMe campaign.
‘His world was turned upside down that night when he was shot. In seconds, everything changed, not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
‘Whilst he is so brave and incredibly strong, he’s still got a long road ahead of him, and it’s not going to be easy, as you can imagine.
‘We are incredibly grateful that we still have him here, and all we want now is to see him healthy, happy and back on his feet.’
Zach Uchtman, 27, was among four people wounded in a shooting outside a Queensland pub
Gunmen opened fire outside Fitzy’s Hotel in Loganholme, south of Brisbane, on October 24
Zach’s twin sister Amy Uchtman (both pictured) confirmed he had been injured and faces a long road to recovery
More than 100 people, including families with young children, were gathered at Fitzy’s Hotel for the Logan City Titles boxing event when two men wearing balaclavas and gloves allegedly opened fire from a silver Mitsubishi ASX.
Police said at least six bullets were fired into the crowd, injuring Mr Uchtman and two other men.
The Mitsubishi was later discovered burnt out at Waterford West. Investigators believe the offenders then escaped in another vehicle and that at least three people were involved.
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin condemned those responsible as ‘cowardly’ after the shooting claimed Ms Schuster-Togiatau’s life while she was out with friends.
Police believe the teenager was not the intended target.
‘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.
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‘We have not stopped and we will not stop until these people are identified and taken into custody.’
Det Insp Galpin also urged anyone with information about those involved or the possible motive for the shooting to contact police.
One of the injured, 19-year-old Vana-Reese Schuster-Togiatau, died at Princess Alexandra Hospital on Thursday morning after succumbing to her injuries
Detective Inspector Ian Galpin labelled those responsible as ‘cowardly’ after the shooting
Ms Uchtman launched a GoFundMe campaign that would help ease the financial burden on her brother while he recovers
‘There are people out there who know exactly who was involved in this offence and exactly why this occurred,’ Det Insp Galpin said.
‘I’m asking those people to be brave enough to come forward with that information, and contact police.’
He said officers had been in contact with Ms Schuster-Togiatau’s family and were continuing to offer support.
‘They are not doing well. It’s an incredibly difficult time for them. I can’t imagine the hurt they’re going through,’ he said.
Taskforce Maxima, a specialist Queensland Police unit investigating outlaw motorcycle gangs and serious organised crime, is assisting local detectives and the State Crime Command with the investigation.
No arrests have been made by police as of Saturday afternoon.
In her fundraiser, Ms Uchtman said the GoFundMe would help ease the financial burden on her brother while he recovers.
‘As his sister, I wish I could take away everything he’s been through,’ she said.
‘I wish I could make the recovery easier, take away the stress and give him the peace of mind he deserves right now.
‘But what I can do is ask our community to come together and help support him during this very challenging chapter.’
A fundraiser has also been launched separately for Ms Schuster-Togiatau’s family to help them as they grieve her death.