A small Victorian town is reeling after the alleged murder of 13-year-old Layla Jeffery. Residents of Donald, a town with a population of less than 1,500, had been searching for Layla since she failed to return home in the early hours of July 4. Their worst fears were confirmed on Thursday afternoon when human remains were found in nearby bushland.
The community has been left in grief, with many residents expressing shock and sadness at the loss of the ‘sweetest girl’. Layla’s aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, remembered her niece as a kind and gentle soul who had been planning to return home on the night she went missing. Cheyne said the family had been somewhat prepared for the outcome, but it was still a devastating blow.
The town of Donald is a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. The mayor, Graeme Milne, said that psychological support was being provided for local children, who were finding it tough to cope with the loss of their friend. Milne described Layla as ‘somewhat shy’ and ‘well-liked’, with a great group of friends who were sticking together to support her family.
The community is now banding together to support Layla’s family and friends. Local sports teams wore touches of pink to honour the schoolgirl, and a crowdfunding campaign has raised over $41,000 to cover general expenses and funeral costs. A church vigil was held on Sunday afternoon to remember Layla, and a floral tribute has been established at the Bullock’s Head viewing platform.
Despite the outpouring of support, there is also anger in the community. John McConville, a former chair of community organisation Donald 2000, said the alleged murder had ‘rocked us a little bit’. McConville said the community needed to regroup and give the family space before assessing how to help them out.
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with Layla’s alleged murder and appeared before a children’s court over the weekend.
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