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.
