Donald, a small Victorian town about 280km north-west of Melbourne, is in mourning after the body of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery was discovered in nearby bushland on Thursday afternoon. She had been missing since the early hours of 4 July, when she failed to return home from a friend's house.
Community in Shock
Residents had shared police appeals on social media, hoping for Layla's safe return. One woman undergoing chemotherapy in the town expressed feeling 'sick' at the thought of harm coming to the teenager. The discovery of human remains confirmed the worst fears.
Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with Layla's murder. He appeared before a children's court over the weekend. The accused cannot be named due to his age.
Family Remembers a 'Sweetest Girl'
Layla's aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, described her niece as the 'sweetest girl' and said the family was 'somewhat prepared' for the tragic outcome. Through tears, Cheyne revealed that Layla had turned on the light before leaving her family home on McCracken Street because she was 'planning to come back'. She was reported missing the following day.
Town Rallies Together
Donald has a population of less than 1,500, according to the latest census. The local football and netball club is central to community life. Mayor of Buloke Shire council, Graeme Milne, said 'everybody knows everybody' in Donald.
As school resumed for term three on Monday, psychological support was provided for local children. Milne noted that Layla was described as 'somewhat shy' and 'well-liked', with a great group of friends who are 'sticking together' to support her family.
Outpouring of Support
Over the weekend, local sports teams wore touches of pink in Layla's honour. The Royal Blues News Football, Netball and Hockey Club posted on Facebook: 'As a community let's stand together and support one another during this incredibly difficult time!'
A crowdfunding campaign for Layla's family had raised more than $41,000 by Monday afternoon to cover general expenses and funeral costs. The page thanked the community for its 'extraordinary' kindness and compassion.
Donald pastor Lisa Woods attended a church vigil on Sunday afternoon. She said a local mother's chat group was filled with offers to help Layla's family, with people asking 'what can I do?' and 'how can I help?'
Anger and Grief
John McConville, former chair of community organisation Donald 2000, said there was anger in the community. He described the alleged murder as having 'rocked us a little bit' and noted the horrible feeling of 'looking over your shoulder'. He called for the community to regroup and give the family space.
A floral tribute has been established at the Bullock's Head viewing platform, overlooking the Richardson River.
