GoFundMe has issued refunds to those who donated to the family of alleged murder victim Hannah McGuire, following the discovery that tens of thousands of dollars were allegedly stolen.
Police allege McGuire, 23, was murdered by her ex-partner, Lachlan Young, 21, and her body was found in a burnt-out car in Scarsdale, south of Ballarat in Victoria, in April.
A GoFundMe was soon set up in the name of Clunes Cricket Club, in which Ms McGuire’s family are heavily involved.
He had raised nearly $65,000 for the family in the weeks after his death.
It was created by Lachlan Morganti, 26, who is now accused of stealing more than $60,000 from online fundraising after the funds were transferred to his account with the expectation that he would send them to the family.
Morganti, who played Grade A cricket for Clunes in Victoria, allegedly stole the money to feed an alleged gambling addiction.
Hannah McGuire’s loved ones have been dealt another cruel blow after $65,000 was allegedly stolen from a GoFundMe fundraiser for her grieving parents (Ms McGuire is pictured).
Lachlan Morganti (pictured), 26, has been charged with theft after more than $60,000 was allegedly stolen from his online fundraiser.
The GoFundMe for Ms McGuire’s family has since been taken down (pictured).
Mr. Morganti told the Herald of the sun that he was sorry for the pain caused to Ms. McGuire’s family and that addiction controlled her life.
“I’m incredibly devastated and ashamed of myself,” he said.
‘I love that family so much… I’m so sorry for adding more stress and pain to everything they were already dealing with.
“I have had an online gambling addiction for over three years to the point where it completely controls my life.”
Morganti has been charged with robbery and was released on bail to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court on June 20.
GoFundMe has since canceled the fundraiser and is issuing refunds to donors.
“The GoFundMe Trust and Safety team is aware of this alleged misuse of funds and will work with authorities and all parties to reach a resolution,” a GoFundMe spokesperson said.
‘We will always ensure that donations are used as intended. “Our team is in contact with the McGuire family and will continue to stay in contact with them and authorities as necessary.”
Mr Young has been charged with murder and appeared in court in April.
He has not yet pleaded guilty.