Who is Terleaha Williams? Glamorous Young Mother Arrested in Mount Druitt Gangland Shooting Investigation

A 20-year-old mother-of-two, Terleaha Williams, has been arrested in connection with an alleged gangland shooting in Mount Druitt, western Sydney. The arrest followed a months-long investigation into the early-morning attack on May 9, when 26 rounds of rifle fire reportedly struck a home on Frank Street shortly after alleged bikie Taniela Moeakiola arrived to visit relatives. “These are indeed very serious offences. The community must be protected from persons who take it upon themselves to commit firearm offences of this nature,” Acting Magistrate Amanda Coultas-Roberts said during the hearing.

No one was injured during the incident, although seven adults and four children were present. Williams, who has worked for five to six years as a data officer for Just Reinvest NSW, an organisation aimed at reducing Aboriginal youth incarceration, faces multiple charges, including firing a firearm at a house in the course of an organised criminal activity, participating in a criminal group, and possessing an unregistered firearm. Her co-accused, Steve Mate, 30, and Christopher Leonard, 31, were arrested earlier this month.

Dressed in a white t-shirt and dark pants, Williams appeared in court, fidgeting and visibly anxious. Her lawyer, Cassandra Giudice, requested bail, highlighting that Williams is a mother of two children, aged four and two, and is mentally vulnerable due to an ADHD diagnosis. “She is a vulnerable person, worth granting bail,” Giudice told the court, noting the potential impact on her employment and family if detained until trial.

The prosecution opposed bail, citing the severity of the offences and Williams’ prior breaches of bail and warrants. The magistrate agreed with the prosecution, stating that strict bail conditions would not mitigate the risk to the community, noting Williams’ “significant supportive role within the enterprise.”

Williams, a Kamilaroi and Yuin woman, is also a long-term Aboriginal youth ambassador for Just Reinvest NSW and has led initiatives such as the Mounty Yarns project, which highlights the impact of the criminal justice system on young people. She is remanded in custody and is due to face Mount Druitt Local Court via videolink on February 25.