Donald community mourns after teenager Layla Jeffrey’s disappearance ends in tragedy

The Donald community is mourning after the discovery of remains believed to be those of missing teenager Layla Jeffrey, with police arresting a 16-year-old boy as part of the investigation.

A 16-year-old boy from the Swan Hill area has been arrested and remains in custody while being interviewed by detectives.

Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad believe the remains located late Thursday afternoon in bushland west of Byrne Street are those of the 13-year-old.

The boy was known to Layla, Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said.

Police said they do not believe Layla’s family was involved in the matter.

“We are quietly confident that those responsible are in custody now,” Detective Inspector Dunstan said.

The boy was arrested following a search warrant at a Donald property at 11am on Thursday.

A large-scale search was conducted after Layla was reported missing on July 5, with local police and specialist units including the Dog Squad, Air Wing and Search and Rescue Squad involved.

Layla was last seen on McCracken Avenue, Donald, on July 4 and had not been seen or heard from since.

Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad began investigating after Layla’s disappearance, with specialist resources deployed to assist with the search.

The circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death remain under investigation, with police treating the matter as suspicious.

Police are also appealing to parents of local young people to speak with their children about any contact they may have had with Layla, or any information they may have about her friendship group or interactions on social media.

Layla moved to the area around 12 months ago and was homeschooled.

Buloke Shire Councillor Charmaine Delaney said the death of Layla was tragic news.

“Layla was a giant, gentle, quiet little girl who just loved life,” Cr Delaney said.

“Loved music, loved colouring her hair, and to imagine that somebody would take her life away in a small regional town like ours is really hard to cope for the community.”

Buloke Shire Mayor Graeme Milne said Council would support the community, with counselling services and organisations including headspace notified.

“The community will come together and we will have a list of opportunities that the shire and our emergency management team will provide so there's opportunity for get-togethers,” Cr Milne said.

Anyone with information in relation to the matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Support services are available for those affected by Layla’s death. Lifeline can be contacted on 13 11 14 for confidential support.