Murder charge after Hannah McGuire’s body found in bushland in Scarsdale, near Ballarat
Accused killer Lachie Young, 21, allegedly messaged Hannah McGuire’s friends claiming she had taken her own life while he wrote a tribute on social media saying he would love her forever.
Police & Courts
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The man charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend who was found dead in a burnt-out car near Ballarat posted a tribute saying he would “forever love” her after her death and allegedly messaged friends claiming she’d taken her own life.
Lachie Young, 21, is accused of killing Hannah McGuire, 23, before driving to State Forest Road in Scarsdale, southwest of Ballarat, and setting the car on fire.
He will face court on Tuesday charged with her murder.
The vehicle and Ms McGuire’s remains were found by emergency crews at 10am on Friday after a family member reported the “sweet and kind-hearted” woman missing.
Mr Young was arrested by Homicide Squad detectives on Sunday afternoon and was formally charged with murder at 3.30pm on Monday.
The Herald Sun can reveal Mr Young posted a photo of the couple with the message “I will forever love you until we meet again make that sky pretty beautiful girl,” along with two love hearts. It was uploaded at 1.19am on Saturday.
It is understood police will allege that a text message was sent to friends of Ms McGuire indicating she had suicided.
In the message Mr Young accepts responsibility for Ms McGuire taking her own life, a scenario police clearly believe is false after Monday’s laying of murder charges.
“The police came and seen me Friday lunchtime and told me she had done it and wasn’t with us anymore. This is my fault,” it said.
The Herald Sun understands the pair had been in a relationship and living together for the past year but split up very recently.
A 22-year-old man, also arrested on Sunday afternoon, was released without charge.
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.
The pub announced it would reopen on Wednesday.
Ms McGuire’s 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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