A 16-year-old boy from the Swan Hill area has been arrested after the body of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery was discovered in bushland in the small town of Donald, in western Victoria. Victoria Police are treating her death as suspicious.
Arrest and Investigation
Police announced the arrest on Friday evening after executing a warrant in Donald. The boy is known to both police and the victim, according to Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan of the Victoria Police missing persons squad. He is being interviewed by police. Authorities have ruled out any involvement by Layla's family. Dunstan stated, 'We are quietly confident those responsible are now in custody. We don't believe anyone else was involved in this situation.'
Discovery of Remains
Layla's remains were found late on Thursday afternoon following an extensive search in bushland west of Byrne Street in Donald. She was reported missing on 5 July, last seen on McCracken Street the previous day. The search involved local police, the dog squad, air wing, and search and rescue squad. Police said in a statement, 'The remains are yet to be formally identified, but they are believed to be those of missing 13-year-old girl, Layla.'
Community Impact
Two women, a 53-year-old from Donald and a 55-year-old from Melbourne, are assisting police with inquiries but have not been arrested. Residents of Donald, a town of about 1,500 people, have been deeply affected. Buloke Shire Councillor Charmaine Delaney, who knew Layla and her family personally, described her as 'a giant, gentle, quiet little girl who just loved life' and said the tragedy is hard for the community to cope with. Dunstan urged affected individuals to seek support, saying, 'It is a tragic outcome for the Donald community.'
