A young mother and long-term employee of a prominent youth justice organisation has been remanded in custody over her alleged involvement in a terrifying gangland shooting in Sydney's west.
Alleged Attack on Family Home
Terleaha Williams, aged 20, was arrested on Tuesday following a seven-month police investigation into a shooting at a property on Frank Street, Mount Druitt. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 9, when alleged bikie associate Taniela Moekiola arrived to visit relatives.
Moments later, the house was allegedly peppered with 26 rounds of rifle fire. Seven adults and four young children were inside the home at the time, but remarkably, no one was injured. This was the second shooting incident at the same address, with a previous event occurring in 2021 when Moekiola was also present.
Court Hears of Dual Life
Appearing in court on Wednesday, Williams' lawyer, Cassandra Giudice, applied for bail, describing her client as a mentally vulnerable mother of two children, aged four and two, who has a diagnosis of ADHD. Ms Giudice argued Williams' alleged role was 'minor' and that she was not accused of firing or holding the firearm.
The court heard a stark contrast in Williams' life. She has worked for five to six years as a data officer for Just Reinvest NSW, an organisation dedicated to reducing Aboriginal incarceration rates. She is also a long-term Aboriginal youth ambassador for the group and co-authored a 2020 opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald advocating to raise the age of criminal responsibility.
However, police prosecutors presented a different picture, outlining a criminal history that includes numerous warrants and breaches of bail. They argued she was on a community corrections order for larceny at the time of the alleged shooting, showing a 'complete disregard for court orders'.
Bail Refused Amid Community Safety Concerns
The police prosecutor strongly opposed bail, stating the alleged offences—which include firing a firearm during organised criminal activity—could result in a maximum of 16 years imprisonment. They disputed the claim her involvement was minor, stating she was part of a 'joint criminal enterprise' that endangered multiple children.
Acting Magistrate Amanda Coultas-Roberts agreed with the prosecution. She found that even strict bail conditions would not mitigate the unreasonable risk to the community. The magistrate acknowledged Williams was not the shooter but said her 'supportive role' in the enterprise appeared significant and the prosecution case seemed strong.
Williams was subsequently refused bail. Her two co-accused, Steve Mate, 30, and Christopher Leonard, 31, were arrested earlier in December and have also been refused bail. Williams is next due to face Mount Druitt Local Court via videolink on February 25.
