Milena Bogojevska allegedly murdered neighbour and dumped body in Maribyrnong River over$2000 petty theft

New details into the alleged murder of Lolene Whitehand — whose body was dumped in the Maribyrnong River — have emerged, including what is believed to have sparked the slaying.

Police at the scene where 85-year-old Lolene Whitehand’s body was found in the Maribyrnong River. Picture: Tony Gough

An elderly woman was allegedly killed before her body was dumped in the Maribyrnong River — all for a petty $2000 loot.

New details into the alleged murder of Lolene Whitehand have emerged in court documents, including that her accused killer was also charged with trespassing and theft.

Detectives allege Milena Bogojevska, 49, from West Footscray, murdered Ms Whitehand, 85, in West Footscray on July 12.

It is alleged she also “did enter as a trespasser” into Ms Whitehand’s West Footscray home “with intent to steal” on the same day.

While there, Ms Bogojevska allegedly stole Ms Whitehand’s jewellery, cash, a wallet, and other personal items including identification documents.

Police have valued the items stolen at $2000.

It is unclear if the alleged trespass and theft happened before or after the murder.

Milena Bogojevska has been charged with murdering her neighbour Lolene Whitehand.

The details come a day after the Herald Sun on Tuesday was able to identify Ms Bogojevska after a court gag order on her name was lifted.

The mother, who lived on the same street as Ms Whitehand, was last week arrested and charged.

Ms Bogojevska beamed into the court via video link from the women’s-only prison, Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, for the administrative hearing where the charge was filed with the court.

Prosecutor Daniel White told the court homicide detectives would need 12 weeks – double the usual six-week period granted – to prepare the brief of evidence.

He said there was extensive CCTV footage to be canvassed, as well as forensic analysis which was “a cornerstone of the prosecution evidence in this case”.

Ms Bogojevska did not say anything throughout the hearing, but was observed wiping her eyes with the sleeves of her T-shirt.

Lolene Whitehand’s body was discovered floating in the river near Smithfield Rd in Flemington.

Her arrest came two days after the body of Ms Whitehand was discovered floating in the river near Smithfield Rd in Flemington on July 14.

Witnesses said they found Ms Whitehand with her head and parts of her feet wrapped in plastic, with what appeared to be significant bruising on her left arm.

The horrific discovery came after police released an image of Ms Whitehand in a public appeal to help locate her.

The much-loved Ms Whitehand was last seen near her Glamis Rd home in Footscray West on July 12.

No details emerged in court as to the circumstances surrounding her death.

Ms Bogojevska did not apply for bail and will return to court over the alleged murder in November.