A 21-year-old man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend allegedly sent a text message to her friends, claiming she had killed herself.
Lachie Young was charged with murder after police found the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt-out car off State Forest Road, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 1am in the morning Friday.
Young, of Sebastopol, was arrested by detectives Sunday and formally charged with her murder Monday afternoon.
A 22-year-old was also arrested on Sunday afternoon but released without charge.
It is understood police will claim in court that Young sent a text message to friends of Ms McGuire, suggesting she had taken her own life.
“The police came to me on Friday lunchtime and told me she had done it and was no longer with us. It’s my fault,” the text reportedly read.
Young also posted a tribute to his ex-girlfriend on Facebook at 1:19 a.m. Saturday.
He posted a photo of the couple with the caption: “I will love you forever until we meet again, this sky is very beautiful girl” with two love heart emojis.
Police discovered the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 10am on Friday.
Lachie Young, 21, of Sebastopol, was arrested by detectives on Sunday and formally charged with her murder Monday afternoon.
Young and Ms McGuire were in a relationship and lived together for a year before splitting recently, according to Daily Mail Australia.
Ms McGuire, who worked at her family’s pub – the National Hotel in Clunes – lived with Young until she moved out a week ago.
In a post on the pub’s Facebook page, the McGuire family said they were “broken”.
“The pub will be open as normal on Wednesday, we will leave you in the capable hands of Johnny Hind for a few days,” the message read.
“Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken.
“You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky. I miss you, princess! »
Nearly 100 people expressed their condolences to the family in the comments, with one woman describing Ms McGuire as a “beautiful soul”.
“I never saw her without a smile on her face,” she said.
“There are no words – just the love of a neighborhood that will wrap its arms around you and hold you tight,” another commented.
Mrs McGuire, who worked at her family’s pub, the National Hotel in Clunes. In a post on the pub’s Facebook page, the McGuire family said they were “broken”.
Young also posted a tribute to his ex-girlfriend on Facebook on Saturday at 1:19 a.m. (photo)
Clunes Cricket Club quickly organized a crowdfunding effort to support Ms McGuire’s family with the cost of her funeral.
“Hannah was known by many as a brilliant young woman and had a heart of gold. As a club and community, we want to put our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah,” the message read.
On Monday, Hannah’s best friend Caitlyn Stepnell posted a heartfelt tribute: “You will forever be a little sister to me.”
Alongside eight photographs of the two young women posing for selfies and partying together, Ms Stepnell said she and Hannah had “over 10 years of friendship (that) will not be forgotten”.
“You were an amazing woman, an amazing friend, an incredible support. You were my fashion girl. I loved watching you become the woman you were and watching you grow. I will miss you every day,” reads- we in the message.
One woman described Ms McGuire as a “beautiful soul” who always had a smile on her face.
“My heart is breaking, heaven has gained an angel. Goodbye for now, not forever. I love you Hannah McGuire. I will continue to make you proud.
Young is next expected to face court on Tuesday.
It’s the latest tragedy to rock Ballarat following the alleged murder of mother-of-three Samantha Murphy in February.
Police arrested the mother’s suspected killer, Patrick Stephenson, 22, last month but have yet to find his remains.
Ms Murphy disappeared while out for a morning jog on February 4. Police say she was killed that day in Mt Clear, 15km from where the last woman’s body was found.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care helpline on 1800 199 008.
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