Boy, 16, charged with murder of Donald teenager Layla Jeffery: What we know

A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder after the body of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery was found in bushland in western Victoria.

Here is what we know.

Layla was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald on Saturday July 4 and was reported missing by a family member the next day.

Donald is a town of about 1,500 people in the Wimmera, north-west of Bendigo.

Her aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, said Layla left home about 3.57am on July 4, switching on a light because she was planning to come back.

“That’s why we haven’t turned the lights off since, because we were hoping that she would just walk in the door, and apologise for scaring everyone,” Ms Cheyne said.

Victoria Police launched a large-scale search of bushland west of Byrne Street, drawing in local police, the dog squad, the air wing and the search and rescue squad.

Late on Thursday afternoon, July 9, detectives found human remains in parkland about a kilometre from Layla’s home.

Police said the remains were yet to be formally identified but were believed to be hers.

The next day, officers executed a search warrant at a property and arrested a 16-year-old boy from the Swan Hill area.

Victoria Police said he was charged with one count of murder on Saturday and was due to appear in the Children’s Court that afternoon for a remand hearing.

Because the accused is under 18, the case will be heard in the Children’s Court and identification restrictions apply.

Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said the boy was known to Layla, and that police did not believe her family was involved.

“We are quietly confident that those responsible are in custody now,” Det Insp Dunstan said.

Two women — a 53-year-old from Donald and a 55-year-old from Melbourne — have been assisting police with their inquiries and have not been arrested.

Police are treating the death as suspicious and the investigation is continuing.

Ms Cheyne said the family was grateful Layla had been found, even as the discovery confirmed their worst fears.

“As hard as it is and as horrible as it is, we were somewhat prepared for this outcome. As much as we wanted her home, we were not naive,” she said.

She described Layla as a sweet, shy and confident girl who loved fashion, beauty, bedazzling, shopping and spending time with her friends.

The death has shaken Donald, where residents joined the search and have since gathered in grief.

“Our hearts are broken, and our entire community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of beautiful Layla,” resident Peta Edmunds wrote on Facebook.

Buloke Shire councillor Charmaine Delaney described Layla as a gentle girl who loved life, music and colouring her hair.

“To imagine that somebody would take her life away in a small regional town like ours is really hard to cope for the community,” Cr Delaney said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Layla’s family with funeral costs.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Based on a media release and statements from Victoria Police, and reporting by 7NEWS, AAP, the Bendigo Advertiser and the Buloke Times.

If this story has raised concerns for you, support is available. Lifeline is on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.