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Human Remains Believed to Be Missing 13-Year-Old Found Near Donald

A 16-year-old has been taken into custody and detectives have sent the matter to forensic pathologists to confirm identity and cause of death.

Overview

  • Police located human remains in bushland west of Byrne Street on Thursday that they say are believed to be those of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, who was last seen on July 4.
  • Officers executed a warrant on Friday and arrested a 16-year-old from the Swan Hill area, who is currently being interviewed by detectives.
  • Two women, a 53-year-old from Donald and a 55-year-old from Melbourne, are assisting inquiries and police are treating the death as suspicious.
  • Detectives say they are relying on pathology to establish time and cause of death and have expressed confidence that those responsible are in custody while investigations continue.
  • The tight-knit Donald community has held tributes and raised more than $18,000 in a day for the family, and police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers as the family seeks privacy.