Locals embrace family shattered by teen girl tragedy
A tightly knit community is rallying around the family of Pheobe Bishop after her two housemates were accused of murdering the 17-year-old.
James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged three weeks to the day after Pheobe missed a flight and vanished in southern Queensland.
Police allege Wood and Bromley have moved Pheobe's body a number of times before they found her remains in a nearby national park on Friday.
Police confirmed the remains, believed to be Pheobe, were found about 2.30pm on Friday near Good Night Scrub National Park, southwest of Bundaberg.
Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was quick to share her grief on social media.
"I didn't think my heart could break anymore then it did when you went missing, or when the charges were laid but this! This is ripping me apart ..." she posted on Facebook.
Detectives have set up a crime scene where the body was found and continue to appeal for further information.
Wood and Bromley were housemates with Pheobe on a property at Gin Gin, a quiet regional community near Bundaberg that has been left reeling from the tragedy.
"There is a sense of 'this wouldn't happen here'," Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP.
"We believe our community to be kind and accepting.
"To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it."
The community has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the Gin Gin property she shared with Wood and Bromley.
A candlelight vigil has been organised on Sunday where locals will pay tribute to the beloved teen.
"We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward," Cr Blackburn said.
Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend.
Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one exited the car.
Pheobe was allegedly murdered and her body moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub National Park, an hour's drive from the airport.
Earlier on Friday, Ms Johnson said her family had been "shattered" by news of the murder charges but vowed to bring her daughter home.
"We WILL bring Phee home I don't care how long it takes but we will get her home," she posted on Friday.
Cr Blackburn said it had been "heart-wrenching" after the community held on to hope for weeks.
The Gin Gin community had rallied around the missing teen's family during the search with a "Leave the Lights On for Pheobe" campaign.
Locals posted photos on social media of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home".
"There is shock in the community but Pheobe's family have got devastation," Cr Blackburn said.
"This was someone's daughter, sister, cousin, aunty. There are family and friends out there who are hurting.
"Their lives will never be the same again."
Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next Bundaberg Magistrates Court appearance on August 11.
A tightly knit community is rallying around the family of Pheobe Bishop after her two housemates were accused of murdering the 17-year-old.
James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged three weeks to the day after Pheobe missed a flight and vanished in southern Queensland.
Police allege Wood and Bromley have moved Pheobe's body a number of times before they found her remains in a nearby national park on Friday.
Police confirmed the remains, believed to be Pheobe, were found about 2.30pm on Friday near Good Night Scrub National Park, southwest of Bundaberg.
Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was quick to share her grief on social media.
"I didn't think my heart could break anymore then it did when you went missing, or when the charges were laid but this! This is ripping me apart ..." she posted on Facebook.
Detectives have set up a crime scene where the body was found and continue to appeal for further information.
Wood and Bromley were housemates with Pheobe on a property at Gin Gin, a quiet regional community near Bundaberg that has been left reeling from the tragedy.
"There is a sense of 'this wouldn't happen here'," Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP.
"We believe our community to be kind and accepting.
"To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it."
The community has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the Gin Gin property she shared with Wood and Bromley.
A candlelight vigil has been organised on Sunday where locals will pay tribute to the beloved teen.
"We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward," Cr Blackburn said.
Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend.
Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one exited the car.
Pheobe was allegedly murdered and her body moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub National Park, an hour's drive from the airport.
Earlier on Friday, Ms Johnson said her family had been "shattered" by news of the murder charges but vowed to bring her daughter home.
"We WILL bring Phee home I don't care how long it takes but we will get her home," she posted on Friday.
Cr Blackburn said it had been "heart-wrenching" after the community held on to hope for weeks.
The Gin Gin community had rallied around the missing teen's family during the search with a "Leave the Lights On for Pheobe" campaign.
Locals posted photos on social media of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home".
"There is shock in the community but Pheobe's family have got devastation," Cr Blackburn said.
"This was someone's daughter, sister, cousin, aunty. There are family and friends out there who are hurting.
"Their lives will never be the same again."
Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next Bundaberg Magistrates Court appearance on August 11.
A tightly knit community is rallying around the family of Pheobe Bishop after her two housemates were accused of murdering the 17-year-old.
James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged three weeks to the day after Pheobe missed a flight and vanished in southern Queensland.
Police allege Wood and Bromley have moved Pheobe's body a number of times before they found her remains in a nearby national park on Friday.
Police confirmed the remains, believed to be Pheobe, were found about 2.30pm on Friday near Good Night Scrub National Park, southwest of Bundaberg.
Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was quick to share her grief on social media.
"I didn't think my heart could break anymore then it did when you went missing, or when the charges were laid but this! This is ripping me apart ..." she posted on Facebook.
Detectives have set up a crime scene where the body was found and continue to appeal for further information.
Wood and Bromley were housemates with Pheobe on a property at Gin Gin, a quiet regional community near Bundaberg that has been left reeling from the tragedy.
"There is a sense of 'this wouldn't happen here'," Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP.
"We believe our community to be kind and accepting.
"To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it."
The community has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the Gin Gin property she shared with Wood and Bromley.
A candlelight vigil has been organised on Sunday where locals will pay tribute to the beloved teen.
"We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward," Cr Blackburn said.
Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend.
Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one exited the car.
Pheobe was allegedly murdered and her body moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub National Park, an hour's drive from the airport.
Earlier on Friday, Ms Johnson said her family had been "shattered" by news of the murder charges but vowed to bring her daughter home.
"We WILL bring Phee home I don't care how long it takes but we will get her home," she posted on Friday.
Cr Blackburn said it had been "heart-wrenching" after the community held on to hope for weeks.
The Gin Gin community had rallied around the missing teen's family during the search with a "Leave the Lights On for Pheobe" campaign.
Locals posted photos on social media of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home".
"There is shock in the community but Pheobe's family have got devastation," Cr Blackburn said.
"This was someone's daughter, sister, cousin, aunty. There are family and friends out there who are hurting.
"Their lives will never be the same again."
Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next Bundaberg Magistrates Court appearance on August 11.
A tightly knit community is rallying around the family of Pheobe Bishop after her two housemates were accused of murdering the 17-year-old.
James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, were charged three weeks to the day after Pheobe missed a flight and vanished in southern Queensland.
Police allege Wood and Bromley have moved Pheobe's body a number of times before they found her remains in a nearby national park on Friday.
Police confirmed the remains, believed to be Pheobe, were found about 2.30pm on Friday near Good Night Scrub National Park, southwest of Bundaberg.
Pheobe's mother Kylie Johnson was quick to share her grief on social media.
"I didn't think my heart could break anymore then it did when you went missing, or when the charges were laid but this! This is ripping me apart ..." she posted on Facebook.
Detectives have set up a crime scene where the body was found and continue to appeal for further information.
Wood and Bromley were housemates with Pheobe on a property at Gin Gin, a quiet regional community near Bundaberg that has been left reeling from the tragedy.
"There is a sense of 'this wouldn't happen here'," Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP.
"We believe our community to be kind and accepting.
"To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it."
The community has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the Gin Gin property she shared with Wood and Bromley.
A candlelight vigil has been organised on Sunday where locals will pay tribute to the beloved teen.
"We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward," Cr Blackburn said.
Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend.
Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one exited the car.
Pheobe was allegedly murdered and her body moved more than once from the Good Night Scrub National Park, an hour's drive from the airport.
Earlier on Friday, Ms Johnson said her family had been "shattered" by news of the murder charges but vowed to bring her daughter home.
"We WILL bring Phee home I don't care how long it takes but we will get her home," she posted on Friday.
Cr Blackburn said it had been "heart-wrenching" after the community held on to hope for weeks.
The Gin Gin community had rallied around the missing teen's family during the search with a "Leave the Lights On for Pheobe" campaign.
Locals posted photos on social media of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home".
"There is shock in the community but Pheobe's family have got devastation," Cr Blackburn said.
"This was someone's daughter, sister, cousin, aunty. There are family and friends out there who are hurting.
"Their lives will never be the same again."
Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next Bundaberg Magistrates Court appearance on August 11.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
6 hours ago
- West Australian
Pheobe Bishop: Donations flood in after fundraising page set up in memory of the Bundaberg teen
A fundraiser has been set up in memory of Pheobe Bishop, after police confirmed they discovered human remains in their search for the missing 17-year-old. A message shared on the official GoFundMe page says that in honour of Pheobe's memory, the proceeds will be donated to support services such as the SES, who 'volunteer their time without reimbursement and have played an integral part of finding missing loved ones in our community.' Funds will also be donated to the Y School in Bundaberg, where Pheobe attended. 'On May 15, 2025, our world was shattered when Pheobe Bishop, a bright, kind-hearted, and deeply loved young woman, was taken from us far too soon. Her life was tragically cut short, and those responsible are now in custody,' a message on the page reads. 'Pheobe had a gentle soul and a generous spirit — always caring for others and standing up for what was right. We want her legacy to live on by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community. 'All funds raised will be donated to these carefully chosen community groups that work to support our Wide Bay community. 'This is more than a fundraiser — this is a tribute to a beautiful life, and a call to action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.' Pheobe's mother, Kylie Johnson, shared the fundraising page on her Facebook on Saturday, supporting the decision to give back to the community 'in honour of Phee.' At the time of reporting, almost 100 donations have been made, raising nearly $5000. The goal is to raise $17,000. On Saturday, police confirmed human remains were found in the Good Night National Park near Gin Gin and a crime scene was established. Wide Bay Burnett Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said additional testing and examination had to take place to formally identify the remains as Pheobe's. 'We always wanted to bring Pheobe home, and we believe that this is the first step in that process,' Det-Insp Mansfield said. 'We do hope that this development, coupled with the bring some level of closure to Pheobe's family so they can begin to move forward with their grieving process.' On Thursday, Queensland Police charged James Wood, 34, and Tamika Bromley, 33, with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse. At 2.30pm on Friday, officers discovered what they believe is Pheobe's body. A vigil will be held for the 17-year-old on Sunday afternoon at Kolan Community Park in Gin Gin.
Perth Now
6 hours ago
- Perth Now
Fundraiser launched in memory of Pheobe Bishop
A fundraiser has been set up in memory of Pheobe Bishop, after police confirmed they discovered human remains in their search for the missing 17-year-old. A message shared on the official GoFundMe page says that in honour of Pheobe's memory, the proceeds will be donated to support services such as the SES, who 'volunteer their time without reimbursement and have played an integral part of finding missing loved ones in our community.' Funds will also be donated to the Y School in Bundaberg, where Pheobe attended. 'On May 15, 2025, our world was shattered when Pheobe Bishop, a bright, kind-hearted, and deeply loved young woman, was taken from us far too soon. Her life was tragically cut short, and those responsible are now in custody,' a message on the page reads. 'Pheobe had a gentle soul and a generous spirit — always caring for others and standing up for what was right. We want her legacy to live on by paying it forward to the amazing volunteers and community. 'All funds raised will be donated to these carefully chosen community groups that work to support our Wide Bay community. 'This is more than a fundraiser — this is a tribute to a beautiful life, and a call to action to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.' Pheobe Bishop, 17, went missing on May 15 Credit: Kylie Johnson/facebook / supplied Pheobe's mother, Kylie Johnson, shared the fundraising page on her Facebook on Saturday, supporting the decision to give back to the community 'in honour of Phee.' At the time of reporting, almost 100 donations have been made, raising nearly $5000. The goal is to raise $17,000. On Saturday, police confirmed human remains were found in the Good Night National Park near Gin Gin and a crime scene was established. Wide Bay Burnett Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield said additional testing and examination had to take place to formally identify the remains as Pheobe's. 'We always wanted to bring Pheobe home, and we believe that this is the first step in that process,' Det-Insp Mansfield said. 'We do hope that this development, coupled with the bring some level of closure to Pheobe's family so they can begin to move forward with their grieving process.' Kylie Johnson shared the fundraising page on her Facebook. Credit: Facebook On Thursday, Queensland Police charged James Wood, 34, and Tamika Bromley, 33, with one count each of murder and two counts each of interfering with a corpse. At 2.30pm on Friday, officers discovered what they believe is Pheobe's body. A vigil will be held for the 17-year-old on Sunday afternoon at Kolan Community Park in Gin Gin.
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Vigil for Pheobe to follow grim bush discovery
A planned vigil in memory of slain teenager Pheobe Bishop will go ahead after police discovered human remains in national parkland. The find was made in "unforgiving" terrain southwest of Bundaberg, with investigators aiming to also recover the 17-year-old's missing luggage expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains about 2.30pm on Friday near Goodnight Scrub National Park, some 280km northeast of Brisbane and 9km from an earlier search site. Pheobe's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday, three weeks to the day after she missed a flight and vanished. Prosecutors allege the pair moved Pheobe's body multiple times. Her local community of Gin Gin has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the property she shared with Wood and Bromley. The community will hold a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday. Locals have been asked to wear bright colours and butterflies. A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm. Well-wishers have left tributes on social media sites advertising the events. "May the love and light of the community surround Pheobe's family and friends during this difficult time, and may her spirit fly free R.I.P. sweet angel," one read on Saturday. Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP on Friday she believed the Bundaberg community to be a kind and accepting one. "To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it," she said. "We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward." Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend. Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one got out of the car. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield revealed on Saturday the remains found at Goodnight Scrub were not buried but declined to offer specifics. "They were found in bushland ... coupled with snippets of information and telecommunications data; that's allowed us to find this location," he said. "It's an unforgiving terrain." Insp Mansfield confirmed the missing luggage had not been located. He said forensic searches of a home in Gin Gin had not identified anything significant. The town also rallied around the missing teen's family during the search for her with a Leave the Lights On for Pheobe campaign. Some posted photos online of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home". Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on August 11. A planned vigil in memory of slain teenager Pheobe Bishop will go ahead after police discovered human remains in national parkland. The find was made in "unforgiving" terrain southwest of Bundaberg, with investigators aiming to also recover the 17-year-old's missing luggage expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains about 2.30pm on Friday near Goodnight Scrub National Park, some 280km northeast of Brisbane and 9km from an earlier search site. Pheobe's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday, three weeks to the day after she missed a flight and vanished. Prosecutors allege the pair moved Pheobe's body multiple times. Her local community of Gin Gin has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the property she shared with Wood and Bromley. The community will hold a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday. Locals have been asked to wear bright colours and butterflies. A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm. Well-wishers have left tributes on social media sites advertising the events. "May the love and light of the community surround Pheobe's family and friends during this difficult time, and may her spirit fly free R.I.P. sweet angel," one read on Saturday. Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP on Friday she believed the Bundaberg community to be a kind and accepting one. "To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it," she said. "We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward." Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend. Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one got out of the car. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield revealed on Saturday the remains found at Goodnight Scrub were not buried but declined to offer specifics. "They were found in bushland ... coupled with snippets of information and telecommunications data; that's allowed us to find this location," he said. "It's an unforgiving terrain." Insp Mansfield confirmed the missing luggage had not been located. He said forensic searches of a home in Gin Gin had not identified anything significant. The town also rallied around the missing teen's family during the search for her with a Leave the Lights On for Pheobe campaign. Some posted photos online of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home". Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on August 11. A planned vigil in memory of slain teenager Pheobe Bishop will go ahead after police discovered human remains in national parkland. The find was made in "unforgiving" terrain southwest of Bundaberg, with investigators aiming to also recover the 17-year-old's missing luggage expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains about 2.30pm on Friday near Goodnight Scrub National Park, some 280km northeast of Brisbane and 9km from an earlier search site. Pheobe's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday, three weeks to the day after she missed a flight and vanished. Prosecutors allege the pair moved Pheobe's body multiple times. Her local community of Gin Gin has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the property she shared with Wood and Bromley. The community will hold a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday. Locals have been asked to wear bright colours and butterflies. A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm. Well-wishers have left tributes on social media sites advertising the events. "May the love and light of the community surround Pheobe's family and friends during this difficult time, and may her spirit fly free R.I.P. sweet angel," one read on Saturday. Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP on Friday she believed the Bundaberg community to be a kind and accepting one. "To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it," she said. "We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward." Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend. Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one got out of the car. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield revealed on Saturday the remains found at Goodnight Scrub were not buried but declined to offer specifics. "They were found in bushland ... coupled with snippets of information and telecommunications data; that's allowed us to find this location," he said. "It's an unforgiving terrain." Insp Mansfield confirmed the missing luggage had not been located. He said forensic searches of a home in Gin Gin had not identified anything significant. The town also rallied around the missing teen's family during the search for her with a Leave the Lights On for Pheobe campaign. Some posted photos online of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home". Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on August 11. A planned vigil in memory of slain teenager Pheobe Bishop will go ahead after police discovered human remains in national parkland. The find was made in "unforgiving" terrain southwest of Bundaberg, with investigators aiming to also recover the 17-year-old's missing luggage expected to wind up their efforts on Saturday evening. Officers discovered what were believed to be the teenager's remains about 2.30pm on Friday near Goodnight Scrub National Park, some 280km northeast of Brisbane and 9km from an earlier search site. Pheobe's housemates, James Wood, 34, and Tanika Bromley, 33, faced Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Friday, three weeks to the day after she missed a flight and vanished. Prosecutors allege the pair moved Pheobe's body multiple times. Her local community of Gin Gin has thrown its arms around Pheobe's family, with floral tributes laid outside the property she shared with Wood and Bromley. The community will hold a candlelight vigil at Kolan Community Park between 4pm and 6pm on Sunday. Locals have been asked to wear bright colours and butterflies. A second candlelight vigil will be held at Buss Park in nearby Bundaberg on Monday from 5pm. Well-wishers have left tributes on social media sites advertising the events. "May the love and light of the community surround Pheobe's family and friends during this difficult time, and may her spirit fly free R.I.P. sweet angel," one read on Saturday. Mayor Helen Blackburn told AAP on Friday she believed the Bundaberg community to be a kind and accepting one. "To have this tragedy happen in our region ... it's been very difficult trying to make sense of it," she said. "We now need to come together as a community, support and care for one another as we try to move forward." Pheobe was last seen near Bundaberg airport about 8.30am on May 15 after booking a trip to Western Australia to see her boyfriend. Police allege Wood and Bromley drove Pheobe close to the airport but no one got out of the car. Detective Inspector Craig Mansfield revealed on Saturday the remains found at Goodnight Scrub were not buried but declined to offer specifics. "They were found in bushland ... coupled with snippets of information and telecommunications data; that's allowed us to find this location," he said. "It's an unforgiving terrain." Insp Mansfield confirmed the missing luggage had not been located. He said forensic searches of a home in Gin Gin had not identified anything significant. The town also rallied around the missing teen's family during the search for her with a Leave the Lights On for Pheobe campaign. Some posted photos online of their front lights switched on "to guide Pheobe home". Wood and Bromley have been remanded in custody ahead of their next court appearance on August 11.
