The 21-year-old accused of killing his ex-girlfriend posted a message about her on social media just hours after her body was found.
Lachie Young, 21, was charged with the alleged murder of Hannah McGuire, 23, on Monday after police discovered her remains in a burnt-out car near State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victory, shortly before. 10am on Friday.
A 22-year-old man was also arrested but released without charge. Young, who is from Sebastopol, will appear in court Tuesday.
Ms McGuire’s death is another blow to the local community still reeling from the alleged murder of missing jogger Samantha Murphy.
The night McGuire’s body was found, Young wrote on Facebook: “I will always love you until we meet again, make that heaven a very beautiful girl,” along with a photo of the couple and two love hearts , he Herald of the sun reported.
The body of Hannah McGuire, 23, from Clunes, was discovered southwest of Ballarat, Victoria, in a burnt out location.
Lachie Young, 21, was charged with the alleged murder of Hannah McGuire, 23, on Monday.
On the night Ms McGuire’s body was found, Young wrote on Facebook: “I will always love you until we meet again, make that heaven a very beautiful girl,” along with a photo of the couple and two love hearts (pictured above).
Ms McGuire, who worked at the local pub, The National Hotel, had lived with Young until a week ago, when she moved out.
Homicide Squad detectives are believed to have swooped on Young and the other man arrested on Sunday.
“I heard a woman shout ‘leave him alone’,” a neighbor told WhatsNew2Day Australia.
Ms. McGuire was reported missing by a family member on Friday morning.
Firefighters found his remains in a burnt-out car around 10am and he was believed to have already died.
Clunes Cricket Club quickly organized a fundraising effort to support Ms. McGuire’s family with the cost of her funeral.
The woman’s body was found on State Forest Rd, near Scarsdale (pictured), in regional Victoria on Friday.
Police go to the home in Sebastopol of a person linked to the alleged murder
Police found the body of a 23-year-old woman in a burn accident on State Forest Road (pictured) on Friday.
Police tape remained outside this address in Sebastopol on Monday afternoon.
The woman’s body was found in a secluded place
“Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold,” the post said.
“As a club and community, we want to embrace the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah.”
On Monday, Hannah’s Ballarat best friend Caitlyn Stepnell posted a heartfelt tribute to the youngster.
She posted on Facebook about the young teaching support officer: ‘You will always be a little sister to me.’
Alongside eight photos of the two young women posing for selfies and partying together, Stepnell said she and Hannah had “over 10 years of friendship (that) will not be forgotten.”
‘You were an incredible woman, an incredible friend, an incredible support. “You were my hype girl,” the Facebook post read.
‘I loved watching you become the woman you were and watching you grow. I will miss you every day.
Hannah McGuire (left) and her best friend Caitlyn Stepnell, who said she will “always be a little sister to me.”
The two women had known each other for 10 years, as Hannah was 13, and Caitlyn said Hannah was “incredibly supportive and my over-the-top girl.”
‘My heart breaks, heaven has gained an angel. Goodbye for now, not forever.
‘I love you, Hannah McGuire. “I will continue to make you proud.”
YoThis is the latest tragedy to hit Ballarat following the alleged murder of Ms Murphy.
Police arrested the mother’s alleged killer, Patrick Stephenson, 22, last month, but have not yet located her remains.
Ms Murphy disappeared while out on a morning run on February 4. Police allege she was murdered that day in Mt Clear, 15 kilometers from where the last woman’s body was found.
Anyone with information about this latest case is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.