The 21-year-old accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend posted about her on social media just hours after her body was found.
Lachie Young, 21, was charged on Monday with the alleged murder of Hannah McGuire, 23, after police discovered her remains in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria, shortly before. Friday 10am.
A 22-year-old was also arrested but released without charge. Young, from Sevastopol, is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
Ms McGuire’s death is yet another blow to the local community, which is still reeling from the suspected murder of missing jogger Samantha Murphy.
On the night Ms McGuire’s body was found, Young wrote on Facebook: “I will love you forever until we meet again make that sky beautiful beautiful girl,” along with a photo of the couple and two love hearts, the Herald Sun reported.
The body of Hannah McGuire, 23, from Clunes, was discovered in a burnt-out wreck south-west of Ballarat, Victoria
Lachie Young, 21, was charged Monday with the alleged murder of Hannah McGuire, 23
On the night Ms McGuire’s body was found, Young wrote on Facebook: “I will love you forever until we meet again, make that sky beautiful girl,” along with a photo of the couple and two love hearts (photo up here)
Mrs McGuire, who worked at the local pub – The National Hotel – lived with Young until a week ago when she moved.
It is believed homicide detectives attacked Young and the other man arrested Sunday.
“I heard a woman shouting, ‘Leave him alone,’” a neighbor told Daily Mail Australia.
Ms McGuire was reported missing by a member of her family on Friday morning.
Firefighters found her remains in a burned-out car around 10 a.m. and it is believed she had already died.
Clunes Cricket Club quickly organized one crowdfunding attempt to support Ms McGuire’s family with the costs of her funeral.
The woman’s body was found on State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale (pictured), in regional Victoria on Friday
Police visit the home in Sevastopol of a person involved in the alleged murder
Police found the body of a 23-year-old woman in a burned-out wreck on State Forest Road on Friday (photo)
Police tape remained outside this Sevastopol address on Monday afternoon
The woman’s body was found in a remote area
“Hannah was known by many as a smart young woman and had a heart of gold,” the post said.
“As a club and community we want to wrap our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah.”
On Monday, Hannah’s best friend Ballarat woman Caitlyn Stepnell posted a heartfelt tribute to the young woman.
She posted on Facebook about the young educational assistant: ‘You will always be a sister to me’.
Alongside eight photos of the two young women posing for selfies and partying together, Ms Stepnell said she and Hannah had “more than a decade of friendship (that) will not be forgotten.”
‘You were a wonderful woman, a wonderful friend, a wonderful support. You were my hype girl,” the Facebook post read.
“I loved watching you become the woman you were and watching you grow. I will miss you every day.
Hannah McGuire (left) and her best friend Caitlyn Stepnell who said she will ‘forever be a sister to me’
The two women had known each other for ten years since Hannah was 13 years old and Caitlyn said Hannah was “a great support and my hype girl.”
‘My heart breaks, heaven has gained an angel. Goodbye for now, not forever.
“I love you Hannah McGuire. I will continue to make you proud.”
IIt is the latest tragedy to rock Ballarat following the alleged murder of Ms Murphy.
Police last month arrested the mother’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Patrick Stephenson, but have yet to locate her remains.
Mrs Murphy disappeared during a morning walk on February 4. Police allege she was murdered that day in Mount Clear, 15km from where the last woman’s body was found.
Anyone with information about this latest case can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.