Overview
- A pre‑sentence hearing on June 18 detailed how Milena Bogojevska assaulted 85‑year‑old Lolene Whitehand, was linked by CCTV and forensic evidence, and remains remanded ahead of sentencing.
- The autopsy and court material showed a blood‑soaked tea towel lodged in Whitehand’s throat, a bag over her head, and bruising consistent with a violent assault.
- CCTV presented in court captured Bogojevska moving Whitehand’s body in her car and dumping it in the Maribyrnong River, where a local fisherman found the body two days later.
- Investigators also tied thousands of dollars in spending to Whitehand’s stolen bank card and recovered the victim’s property in Bogojevska’s home, including a school bag bearing her son’s name.
- Bogojevska was originally charged with murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter — a plea prosecutors accepted that reduces the maximum penalty to 25 years — and neighbours and family have protested the downgrade while defence lawyers urged mitigation based on her background and health.