Jul 18, 2024

Woman Charged With Murder After Elderly Woman’s Body Found in Maribyrnong River

Woman Charged With Murder After Elderly Woman’s Body Found in Maribyrnong River
Lolene Whitehand was well-known for her gardening and well-liked in her local community.

The tight-knit community of Footscray West is in mourning after the body of 85-year-old Lolene Whitehand was discovered in the Maribyrnong River. The shocking find occurred near Smithfield Road, Flemington, at about 10:30 am on Sunday.

Described by neighbours as a kind and friendly person, Ms Whitehand was found with her head and parts of her feet wrapped in plastic. Witnesses noted significant bruising on her left arm. The tragic discovery came two days after a police appeal for public assistance in locating Ms Whitehand, who had been missing since July 12.

Victoria Police reported that Ms Whitehand was last seen near her home on Glamis Road around 4 pm on the day she disappeared. Her neighbours and friends, still reeling from the news, have shared their memories and sorrow.

Peter and Christine Spencer, who placed flowers at her home, remembered her as a beloved figure in the neighbourhood who enjoyed gardening and always waved to passers-by.

“I can’t fathom why anyone would harm such a sweet elderly lady,” Mr Spencer said. “She was well-known and liked around here. Everyone would greet her warmly. Her disappearance and death have been a huge shock.”

Ms Whitehand lived alone following the death of her husband a decade ago and had previously cared for her sister in nearby Yarraville.

A 49-year-old woman from Footscray West has been charged with Ms Whitehand’s murder. During a closed session at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, her lawyer secured a suppression order on her identity. The reasons for the order remain undisclosed. The case has been adjourned to allow for further submissions.

The accused, who has a limp and remained silent during the hearing, reportedly suffers from nerve damage in her lower back and is medicated for depression and anxiety. A 15-year-old boy was also questioned in relation to the case but was released without charge.

Police continue to investigate, having searched Ms Whitehand’s home and questioned her neighbours. Officers also gathered evidence from the residence of the accused.

Authorities urge anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage from the areas around Glamis Road, West Footscray, or Smithfield Road, Flemington, between midday Friday and 10:30 am Sunday to come forward.

They are particularly interested in any suspicious activity during that time.

In a separate investigation, police are looking into the death of a West Footscray man whose body was found in the Maribyrnong River on the same morning. His death is not considered suspicious and is unrelated to Ms Whitehand’s case.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Plan for paramedics to do more to support palliative patients die peacefully at home

Paramedics could play a bigger role to help palliative care patients achieve their wishes to die at home under a proposed national framework, which may also help ease pressure on emergency departments. Read More

Fears residents will be neglected as aged care home proposes cuts to kitchen staff hours

A Tasmanian aged care provider plans to cut more than 200 hours from its kitchen staff across four homes. “Staff were in tears saying this is just going to mean residents are going to be neglected,” said the union. Read More

Brisbane aged care nurse reprimanded after stealing from resident

A Brisbane nurse, 46, has been officially reprimanded after it was discovered she had stolen from an aged care resident.  Read More
Advertisement