A planned brawl in Wollongong, Australia, resulted in the death of a mother of two and has led to serious legal consequences for four teenage girls. The incident occurred on November 22, 2023, when the girls, aged 14 and 15, engaged in a pre-arranged fight organized through social media. The group, known as "The Big Yappers," used Instagram to exchange derogatory comments and threats, escalating tensions between two rival friendship groups.

Court documents reveal that the girls were invited to a location in Warrawong, referred to as "Lego," for the fight. After initially not showing up, three of the girls obtained kitchen knives from a supermarket. They were seen on surveillance footage practicing combat moves before taking a bus to the designated area for the altercation, which began after 6:20 p.m.

One of the 15-year-olds, who would later fatally stab Kristie McBride, informed the rival group of their arrival with a message stating, "We're in Legoland." Although she did not bring a knife, she was handed one by a 14-year-old friend as the fight commenced. During the confrontation, the older girl attacked McBride, who had been drinking with the opposing group, resulting in multiple injuries.

The 15-year-old believed her actions were necessary to protect her friends, but the court found her response unreasonable. She stabbed McBride twice in the abdomen, causing severe injuries to her kidney and bowel. McBride, 39, was able to stagger to a nearby house while bleeding and reportedly said, "That little c*** stabbed me" before collapsing.

Despite efforts to save her, McBride died days later after being placed in an induced coma at Wollongong Hospital. The four girls, now aged 16 to 17, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the New South Wales Supreme Court on Monday, the same day they were set to face murder charges. The court determined that the three girls who did not deliver the fatal blows were still liable for McBride's death because they brought knives to the fight and anticipated the potential for serious harm.

However, the court noted that they did not intend to kill or inflict grievous bodily harm. All four teenagers are scheduled to return to court in December for sentencing next year.

For those in need of support, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and Kids Helpline is available at 1800 55 1800 for individuals aged 5 to 25.