Hannah McGuire’s body found in bushland in Scarsdale, near Ballarat
A man has been charged with the murder of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire after her remains were found in a burnt-out car in bushland in Scarsdale.
Police & Courts
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Homicide detectives have charged a 21-year-old man with the murder of 23-year-old Hannah McGuire.
The Sebastopol man, who was arrested on Sunday, is due to face Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Ms McGuire, whose remains were discovered in a burnt-out car near Ballarat was on Monday being remembered as a “sweet and kind-hearted” person who always had a smile on her face.
Emergency crews found her body inside a vehicle near State Forest Rd in Scarsdale about 10am on Friday morning after a loved one reported her missing earlier that day.
Detectives initially arrested a 21-year-old and 22-year-old man, both from Sebastopol.
The 22-year-old was later released.
The Herald Sun has been told Ms McGuire’s family has been left devastated by her sudden death, which forced the closure of their family-run National Hotel in Clunes.
It is understood Ms McGuire worked there with her parents and was often seen smiling and laughing with patrons.
Her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from loved ones.
“Fly high, beautiful angel. Thank you, Hannah, for all the wonderful memories that we will cherish forever,” Tiffany Sarra wrote on social media.
“Our hearts are broken.”
One friend wrote: “I’ll always remember you for the kind-hearted, beautiful girl you were and the way your smile and laughter had a way of brightening up any room you entered”.
“You’ll always have a special place in my heart and I’ll miss you so much.”
School friend Demi Harris said Ms McGuire was a “beautiful human”.
“The most sweetest soul with the kindest heart,” she said.
“Taken way too soon. Fly high Han. You will forever be in my heart.”
Caitlyn Stepnell said: “You were an amazing woman, an amazing friend, an amazing support”.
“I will miss you every single day.
“Heaven has gained an angel.”
A fundraiser has been organised by the Clunes Cricket Club, which is sponsored by Ms McGuire’s parents, to support her family.
“As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude & Fletcher,” the club said.
“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold.
“Glenn and Debbie sponsor the Clunes Cricket Club and are very generous people. As a club and a community, we want to put our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah.”
The fundraiser, which by Monday afternoon had raised almost $1000, aims to cover funeral costs amid the family shutting down their pub in recent days.
“Let’s rally as a community and get behind this wonderful family.
“You were taken way too soon Hannah, but may you rest in peace.”
Detectives searched three Sebastopol properties on Sunday and Monday, spoke with neighbours and requested CCTV footage.
Neighbours said they often saw Ms McGuire coming and going from a King Dr home in Sebastopol, but she and a young man she was often seen with kept to themselves.
That single-storey brick home remained cordoned off on Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, police returned to the area to speak with residents of two other properties on nearby Lawrence and Queen streets.
The discovery comes one month after 22-year-old man Patrick Stephenson was charged over the murder of Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy, who vanished without a trace while out for a jog in February.
Last week, her husband, Michael Murphy, told the Herald Sun he missed her every day and was keeping the faith that her body would be found.
There has been little development since investigators arrested and charged Mr Stephenson with Ms Murphy’s murder almost one month ago.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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