A 25-year-old adult shop employee stabbed to death in Browns Plains on Friday night was a popular Brisbane drag king, it has been revealed.
"Lil' Romeo" was a member of the GangStars, a mixed-gender performance troupe dominated by drag kings.
Police found the popular performer with stab wounds when they responded
to an alarm at the Everything Adult store in Browns Plains at about
8.50pm on Friday August 8.
A GangStars spokesperson told Queensland Pride plans were underway to honour their colleague with a memorial float in next year's Mardi Gras parade.
"[We] want to ask drag kings/entertainers from around Australia to join us in a dedicated float at 2009 Mardi Gras," GangStars founders Dita and Jo said in a statement.
Police said "Lil' Romeo" had spoken to police before being rushed to Logan Hospital, where she died shortly afterward.
A 21-year-old man appeared in court Monday charged with Lil' Romeo's murder, armed robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The man, Tara Gilbert, has been remanded in custody to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 18.
NOTICE
The
GangStars held a tribute to Lil’ Romeo on Sunday, August 17 at the old Options
Nightclub. Pictures are available in the 'Scene Pix' gallery on this site.
Lil' Romeo's friends are invited to the funeral, a
celebration of life, at The Dream Centre, 1 Chisholme Road, Carrara, on
Tuesday, August 19 from 12pm.
Condolence Book
Queensland Pride is collecting comments online to send to Lil' Romeo's partner and family. Please add your comment below...
Your spirit knows no bounds. I felt it's limitless energy from across the globe without having known of your existence until you passed.
My heart goes out to all of those who loved and lost; a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a chance to know your greatness.....I am sorry.
... written by Aunty Maria and family , 22 August, 2008
From the moment I saw you on stage in the Valley I knew you'd found your calling and were a member of a community that welcomed you with open arms.
Whilst there were some who may not have understood you as much as they should have, you were never far from their thoughts. To paraphrase another King (long live Elvis as well as Kristin): "Maybe they didn't love you, quite as often as they could have, but you were always on their mind, you were always on their mind."
Rest in peace and give my love to Nanny Pye
... written by kisane , 21 August, 2008
dearest krissy.we both share in the comfort of knowing that your spirit lives on.you lived life each day as if it was your last.what a wonderful lesson and legacy for all of us to learn from.now more than ever i realise that only the good die young.you came here with a mission and completed it all at 25.an angel on earth now an angel in heaven.love you beautiful girl xxxxxxxxxxxx
... written by Rosie. , 19 August, 2008
Too Ashlee and Family, I can't put into words how sorry I am - So many if only's fill my head. I never got to Know Krissy as well as I had hoped but working on the few times that I got to were fun and never dull. Once again I am sorry for this great loss. R.I.P Krissy - fly free.
... written by Nicky , 19 August, 2008
So saddened by this tragic loss and waste of life. How could this happen, why did it happen? Lil Romeo was only 25, her life was only beginning, only to be taken away from everyone by a vicious, evil, worthless piece of human garbage. This beautiful lady is now at peace and her chance in life was robbed, the lowlife scum is still living. The laws are too soft and scum think they can get away with murder. He will probably do 15 years, less with good behaviour, then put on the streets again. Bring back the death penalty, I for one would pull the switch. Lil Romeo was loved by all, and is still loved.
... written by Karen , 18 August, 2008
My heart goes out to Krissy's family and her wife.
I'm not sure where to start..... Well the larger than life smile and the hug that went with it every time I saw you, even when it had been a while between drinks. I am deeply saddened and speechless as to how such a terrible thing could happen to a person as bright ,funny and unique as you. I remember watching you do your thing at the 'Mr Sportsman'. I think you were the first female (Drag King) entrant ever that year, bold as brass stylin' all the way, no different to any other time you were on stage or running through life either. The drinks we had together over the years, the laughs, the bad jokes and oh my god the hangovers. Singing songs together (badly) on my back patio. Getting pissed in your back yard for your birthday. The same cheeky grin and zest for life beamed from you everywhere you were.
I will miss you x
... written by Sara , 17 August, 2008
R.I.P Krissy aka Lil Romeo. Although you were taken from us so suddenly may this new journey of life bring you lots of happiness. You're free from this place to explore and touch other people, things, etc, like you've done down here on earth.
Death cannot separate you from our love, if we could we would swim an ocean of tears to bring you back home to us. With each passing day we are all but one day closer to you. With heavy hearts holding on day after day, we must be patient and strong, to live forever wanting, needing and loving you so ...
Krissy aka Lil Romeo, you are with us at all times, we will love you always and forever. With all our hearts. It was an honour to have known you since 'primary school' as it was an honour to have met you when you had grown into a fantastic and beautiful person ...
Deepest sympathies goes out to Krissy's family, Ashlee, Krissy's beautiful wife and friends ...
You're missed terribly but you will certainly live on .... Love Seh your long lost friend x x x
... written by DM , 16 August, 2008
I met Lil Romeo when I was new to Brisvegas. I remember her saying just be you and you will fit in. Joyous to watch, interesting to speak to and the kindest loving heart that reached many in our community. Thank you, Lil Romeo for your shining light and for making us all smile. Rest in Peace lovely one. My deepest sympathy to Ashlee and Lil Romeo's closest.
... written by kara stenberg , 16 August, 2008
Awww, where to start. you lit up a room just by walking in and being who you were. you touched peoples hearts simply by your words and tender hugs. I will remember all the advice you gave me and most of all I will always remember your heart. you helped mold me into the person I am today . thank you for the impact you made in my life and for all the fabulous memories you've left us with. to krissy's family and to ashley, I send my deepest condolences. This world lost a great spirit. She'll always be remembered.
... written by Nan & Pop , 16 August, 2008
Fiona, Brett, Nickelle, Mason, Christopher & Ashlee may you find comfort in your memories & Peace in your heart, knowing just how much Krissy was loved, admired and respected by all those who had the privilege to know her.
Her work here on earth was done, she has now gone to a more beautiful and more perfect place than we could ever imagine and one day, hopefully, we will be granted the same access so that we can be reunited with all those that have gone before us.
Move over Elvis… Krissy aka (lil Romeo) has entered the building.
Love always Nan Pop & the rest of your family in NSW ♥♥♥
... written by Lyn Carroll , 16 August, 2008
To Krissy's family: She came into our lives as a young girl at high school, full of love and happiness and the biggest smile ever. Always had a cuddle for me and never ever called me anything but Ma. Can even remember the one and only time she wore a dress for her formal. I will treasure these memories of her forever. Such a sad waste of a life. Our thoughts are with you all. Also we are thinking of you Ashlee how empty your life must feel at the moment but just remember she is with you all the time taking care of you.
Love to you all, The Carroll Family
... written by Amanda Gibbons and Sacha Gante , 15 August, 2008
Dearest Ashlee and Krissy's family ... words can not express how sorry we are for your devastaing loss. Our hearts are aching with you. Love Amanda and Sacha xoxoxoxo
Romeo - what a beautiful soul, I'm so glad I had the pleasure of knowing you friend. I will treasure the memories of our party times with the gang, our d&m's, our boxing match, you holding my head up and always making me smile. You were going to fix my tattoo, and give me a star, something I will always regret we never got around to, but who would of thought this evil would take your life. I'll miss you and your presence and will never forget you and that cheeky smile. love always babe, RIP, Amanda xoxoxoxo
... written by Shenelle , 15 August, 2008
If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane I would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And none of us know why.
Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one will ever know.
But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A cherished place within our heart Is where you'll always stay
I will keep our pact and promise I made to you that night For I know you'll keep your promise To shine down on us so bright.
----
My love and thoughts go out to Krissy's family, Ash and friends. Krissy, you will be forever in our hearts. xo
... written by David Sharpe , 15 August, 2008
Krissy (Lil’ Romeo), Krissy, you touched the hearts of those you loved, with every word and deed, An angel sent from heaven, your soul has now been freed. The pain you suffered and endured, would have conquered a weaker soul, Your wilful, stubborn, hope-filled heart, placed you in a stronger role. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, when the universe called you home. We had the pleasure of watching you grow, when you let us into your heart, Your life was a gift to our family, and all who loved you, our shining star.
Love Sharpie and family. XOX.
... written by amy , 14 August, 2008
to Ashlee,Krissys life partner... there are no words that can say how truely sorry i am that such a vibrant and young life has been so cruelly taken from this earth,from her family and from you-the love of her life may she rest in peace.
... written by Ashlee , 14 August, 2008
Krissy, my wife, by best friend and most of all my angel. I love you more than I ever thought possible to love anyone. I had never realised how it felt to be surrounded by such unconditional and beautiful love. You were the brightest of stars, and the one I could always count on to make me smile, laugh and feel complete. Such a senseless tragedy has left the world so much emptier for not seeing your smile, or hearing your laugh every day. I will forever remember your love, and tender touch. You touched so many lives and hearts on a daily basis, and I am so proud to have not only known you as Romeo, but to have known you as my BG, my wife. Shine like the star you are by beautiful baby, and I then will know you are lighting my way for days to come. Until I am in your arms again, stay the star you are. Love you, forever and a day, your wife Ashlee
... written by Lara , 14 August, 2008
To Krissy aka Lil' Romeo -
You were cheeky and kind and had a heart of gold. I haven't seen you in some time, but I still think of you often. You're a bit unforgettable, you know?
To Ash and Krissy's family and friends -
I am just so sorry for your loss - and oh, what a loss. -- Now she can shine just as much up there as she did down here.
... written by Fiona , 13 August, 2008
R.I.P. My honey don't cry now, don't cry for he needed you more than I. Special lady, o my special lady you fought so hard all your life only to be Murdered by a demon. Your joy, your smile your, your simple ways, your earthly body will fly in to the heavens now and bring peace to the torture you endured. I release you from this land of craziness to travel the universe to bless all. I love you my daughter smooth ride home hey. You made me so proud Love Mum xx. KRISSY AKA LIL ROMERO 03/02/1983 to 08/082008
... written by nickelle Pye , 13 August, 2008
Well there is to much to say about my baby sister lil romeo. She was always the life of the party and her cheeky smiles brought so much joy to our lives it has been a pleasure to grow up with her and know who she really was. lil romeo spent many hours preparing for her shows leaving a great big mess in the bathroom lol which i was always telling her off for. She was larger than life and nothing can ever replace that huge space that she has left. I am glad that she has touched so many people in her short life and has always left her mark. It would be great to see a float for next year it would be a great honour for her. i will miss her very much she was my best friend. and i loved her with all my heart she will live on in her nephew mason and the new one coming in april.
you are an angel kris be free i love you
Nickelle(sister)
... written by Sare , 13 August, 2008
Your family and friends are in my thoughts are prayers. You brought so much joy to the community and were always entertaining in your performances. Rest in peace Lil' Romeo.
... written by rg , 13 August, 2008
The beautiful honesty with which you presented your person to all who had the fortune to be in your company, The smile, the laugh and the constant embracing of life and love without fear, The joy radiating from you onto to all that watched you perform, The care & devotion you showed those that you loved and loved you... A gift & inspiration you will always be x
... written by Iain, Kieren and the staff at Queensland Pride , 13 August, 2008
From all at Queensland Pride to Ashlee and to Lil' Romeo's family, friends and fellow performers, our hearts go out to you.
This senseless tragedy had already shocked us all, but to learn later that we also lost one of our scene's shining stars was a terrible blow.
A memorial float would make a wonderful tribute, but however you decide to commemorate Lil' Romeo's life, we wish you all the best.
... written by The GangStars , 12 August, 2008
Thanx Iain everyone at QP.. Also to all the friends & broader community for your support & kindness.
Much love to Ashlee & Lil' Romeo's family..
Our dearest Romeo Sadly missed.. Forever in our hearts.. Thank you for everything!
Shine like the Star you know you are!!!
xxxxxxxxxxxxx Love Alwayz.. The GangStars Dita, Jo, Mary, Kylie, G.I & the Crew.
... written by Mike LB , 12 August, 2008
I loved seeing the GangStars perform at Big Gay Day and Briz-Vagas, and it's awful to learn this terrible tragedy has taken one of the fine and fun performers who've brought me such good times.
... written by Josh Farrell & Jennifer McKinl , 12 August, 2008
[Lil' Romeo] worked at FranklinCovey, in the Consumer Sales department while we were at Cannon Hill. Full of life, excitement and fervour and only in her mid 20's, it's a terrible tragedy that her life was taken, especially in such circumstances.
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