Accused killer fronts court after Thomastown hit-run crash leading to teen’s death

A young man accused of killing “loving and loyal” teen Lara Guglielmi in a horror hit-run had allegedly stolen the vehicle just hours before the fatal crash.

Lara Guglielmi, 19, with her step mother Nikki and father Robert. Picture: Supplied

An accused killer driver has fronted court over a horror hit-run crash in Melbourne’s north which claimed the life of “loving and loyal” teen Lara Guglielmi.

Che Proctor, 22, faced the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning after he was charged overnight with dangerous driving causing death, failing to render assistance and failing to remain at a scene.

Police allege Mr Proctor was behind the wheel of a stolen Kia Cerato when it crashed into a Mercedes-Benz on Mahoneys Rd in Thomastown on Sunday about 1am.

But instead of rendering assistance to his two injured passengers, including Ms Guglielmi, it is alleged the young man fled the scene.

Emergency services performed CPR on the 19-year-old student, from Mill Park, but she died at the scene.

According to charge sheets released by the court, Mr Proctor is accused of stealing the Kia from a car rental company hours before he crashed the vehicle.

Since Sunday, police and Ms Guglielmi’s grieving family have been pleading with the Thomastown man to hand himself.

Emergency services performed CPR on Ms Guglielmi but she died at the scene.

But he was arrested late on Wednesday after he was tracked to an address in Box Hill, allegedly in possession of methylamphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis.

Mr Proctor was supported by family in court, who watched the filing hearing from the back row while he sat in the dock.

The 22-year-old did not apply for bail.

He will next front court on August 17 for a committal mention.

Ms Guglielmi’s family said on Sunday night she made a “bad choice” and would be sorely missed.

“She was a young, beautiful and courageous young girl,” stepmother Nikki Guglielmi told the Herald Sun.

“She had the biggest heart, she loved everyone.

“She was very loved, she comes from a beautiful family, she had the world at her feet.”

“She was the life of the party.”

The wreckage of the crash in Thomastown. Picture: David Crosling

Police at the crash scene. Picture: 9 News

“She was doing what young kids do, they make mistakes and next thing you know your life is over,” she said.

“She was just so loving and loyal to her friends.

“Her loyalty is ultimately what cost her her life.”

A friend of Ms Guglielmi posted on social media, mourning the loss.

“Didn’t deserve this girly, rip (rest in peace),” the friend wrote.

The mangled wreckage of two vehicles remained at the scene on Sunday.

Debris from both cars was littered over the usually busy road, which was closed for most of the day.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives took photographs and made measurements in a bid to put a brief of evidence together.

Two women in their 30s, from the Mercedes-Benz, were taken to the Royal ­Melbourne Hospital, both of whom were in a stable ­condition.

Another woman in her 20s was taken to The Alfred hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, with information or dashcam vision is urged to call Crime Stoppers.