Lachie Young’s chilling act after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend Hannah McGuire
A 21-year-old man accused of killing his ex-girlfriend allegedly sent her friends a text message claiming she had committed suicide.
Lachie Young was charged with murder after police found the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt-out car near State Forest Road, near Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 1am on Friday.
Young, of Sebastopol, was arrested by detectives on Sunday and formally charged with murder on Monday afternoon.
A 22-year-old was also arrested on Sunday afternoon but released without charge.
It is understood police will allege in court that Young texted friends of Ms McGuire suggesting she took her own life.
‘The police came to me on Friday afternoon and told me she had done it and was no longer with us. This is my fault,” the text allegedly reads.
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, make that sky 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, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 10am on Friday.
Lachie Young, 21, of Sebastopol, was arrested by detectives on Sunday and formally charged with murder on Monday afternoon
Young and Ms McGuire were in a relationship and lived together for the past year before recently splitting up, Daily Mail Australia understands.
Mrs McGuire, who worked in her family’s pub – The National Hotel in Clunes – lived with Young until a week ago when she moved.
In a post on the pub’s Facebook page, the McGuire family said they were ‘devastated’.
“The pub will be open as normal on Wednesday, we will be leaving 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 for us. You were our whole damn heaven. I miss you princess!’
Nearly a hundred people sent their condolences to the family in the comments, with one woman describing Mrs McGuire as a ‘beautiful soul’.
“There wasn’t a moment I saw her without a smile on her face,” she said.
“There are no words, just the love of a neighborhood wrapping its arms around you and holding 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 ‘devastated’
Young also posted a tribute to his ex-girlfriend on Facebook at 1:19 a.m. on Saturday (photo)
Clunes Cricket Club quickly organized a crowdfunding campaign to support Mrs McGuire’s family with the costs of her funeral.
‘Hannah was known by many as a smart young woman and had a heart of gold. As a club and community we want to wrap our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah,” the message said.
On Monday, Hannah’s best friend Caitlyn Stepnell posted a heartfelt tribute: “You will always be a little 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. I loved watching you become the woman you were and watching you grow. I will miss you every day,” the message read.
One woman described Mrs McGuire as a “beautiful soul” who always had a smile on her face
‘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.”
Young is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
It is the latest tragedy to rock Ballarat following the alleged murder of mother-of-three Samantha Murphy in February.
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.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.