Teen charged with murder over death of 13-year-old girl
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder over the death of a teen who went missing in rural Victoria.
Layla Jeffery, 13, was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald, about 280 kilometres north-west of Melbourne on July 4.
Layla Jeffery was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald, about 280 km north-west of Melbourne on July 4. Victim's family via Victoria Police
She was reported missing by her family the next day.
Remains were found five days later, on Thursday, in the rural town.
The 16-year-old from Swan Hill (around 90 minutes drive from Donald), who was introduced to Layla through mutual friends, was already known to police.
He was due to appear before a children’s court today for a remand hearing.
Two women aged 53 and 55 are also assisting police with their enquiries.
Layla’s been remembered for her love of shopping and her friends 9News
Layla’s family have paid tribute to their “sweet and loyal girl”.
Her heartbroken aunt Kaitlyn Cheyne said the news has been “absolutely devastating” to them all.
“As hard as it is and as horrible as it is, we were somewhat prepared for this outcome,” she told 9News.
“She had turned the light on before she left, because she was planning to come back.”
SES members continued to comb through the grassland, near where the teenager was found. 9News
Cheyne said the 13-year-old was a loyal friend who loved shopping and thought of others.
“Any time she would find anything, she would buy the same thing for her best friend,” she said.
“She was absolutely gorgeous, and she was just the sweetest girl.”
State Emergency Service members continued to comb through the grassland on Saturday near where the teenager was found, as the community’s sports teams wore touches of pink in her honour.
Buloke Shire Council representative Charmaine Delaney said earlier the news left locals “gutted”.
“We’re a very close tight-knit community,” Delaney said.
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