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7 months ago
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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 murder on Monday after police found the remains of Hannah McGuire, 23, in a burnt out car near State Forest Rd, close to Scarsdale, south-west of Ballarat in Victoria, just before 10am on Friday.
A 22-year-old was also arrested but released without charge. Young, who is from Sebastopol, is set to face court on Tuesday.
The death of Ms McGuire is yet another blow for the local community which is still reeling over the suspected murder of missing jogger Samantha Murphy.
On the night Ms McGuire's body was found, Young wrote on Facebook, 'I will forever love you until we meet again make that sky pretty beautiful girl', along with a photo of the couple and two love hearts, the Herald Sun reported.
The body of Hannah McGuire, 23, from Clunes, was discovered south-west of Ballarat, Victoria in a burnt-out wreck
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 forever love you until we meet again make that sky pretty 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 up until a week ago when she moved.
Homicide Squad detectives are believed to have pounced on Young and the other man arrested on Sunday.
'I heard a woman shouting 'leave him alone,' a neighbour told Daily Mail Australia.
Ms McGuire had been reported missing by a member of her family on Friday morning.
Firefighters found her remains in a burnt-out car about 10am and it is believed she had already been killed.
Clunes Cricket Club quickly organised a crowdfunding 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 attend the Sebastopol home of a person connected to the alleged murder
Police found the body of a 23-year old woman in a burnt-out wreck on State Forest Road (pictured) on Friday
Police tape remained outside this address in Sebastopol on Monday afternoon
The woman's body had been found in a remote area
'Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold,' the post said.
'As a club and a community, we want to put our arms around the McGuire family and everyone close to Hannah.'
On Monday, Hannah's best friend Ballarat woman Caitlyn Stepnell posted a heartfelt tribute to the young woman.
She posted on Facebook about the young teaching support officer: 'You will forever be a little sister to me'.
Alongside eight photographs of the two young women posing for selfies and out partying together, Ms Stepnell said she and Hannah had 'over 10 years worth of friendship (which) will not be forgotten.
'You were an amazing women, an amazing friend, an amazing support. You were my hype girl,' the Facebook post read.
'I loved watching you become the women you were & watching you grow. I will miss you every single day.
Hannah McGuire (left) and hert best friend Caitlyn Stepnell who said she will 'forever be a little sister to me'
The two women had known each other for 10 years since Hannah was 13 years old and Caitlyn said that Hannah was 'an amazing support and my hype 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.'
It's the latest tragedy to rock Ballarat following the alleged murder of Ms Murphy.
Police arrested the mother's alleged murderer, 22-year-old Patrick Stephenson, last month but have still to locate her remains.
Ms Murphy disappeared while on a morning jog on February 4. Police allege she was killed that day in Mt Clear, 15km from where the latest woman's body was found.
Anyone with information on this latest case should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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