In Melbourne, Australia, the body of Lolene Whitehand, an 85-year-old woman, was discovered floating in the Maribyrnong River by a fisherman on July 14, 2024. Milena Bogojevska, aged 51, faced a pre-sentence hearing in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday, June 18. She was permitted to plead guilty to manslaughter instead of murder charges.
The decision not to proceed with a murder trial was attributed to uncertainties surrounding the exact cause of Ms. Whitehand’s death. Reports revealed that she had suffered severe beatings, suffocation, and was dumped in the river with a tea towel stuffed in her mouth.
Ms. Whitehand was last seen entering Bogojevska’s residence on Glamis Street, located two doors away from her own home. Concerns arose among neighbors when she went missing, as she was a well-loved resident in the area for over 40 years.
An autopsy indicated that Ms. Whitehand died from airway obstruction and showed signs of facial injuries. Bogojevska, who had been receiving a disability pension, was connected to the crime through forensic evidence. She was alleged to have burgled Whitehand’s home, stolen valuables, and embarked on a spending spree using the victim’s money.
Despite denying involvement, Bogojevska was arrested and faced accusations of using Whitehand’s belongings and attempting to cover up her actions. Forensic evidence presented in court linked her to the crime scene. The motive behind the crime was suggested to be driven by greed.
Bogojevska’s sentencing is pending, as she awaits the court’s decision. Neighbors and community members seek justice for the victim, advocating for a murder charge rather than a manslaughter conviction.