Sebastopol man Lachie Young will face court in Ballarat today charged with murder over the death of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire.
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Ms McGuire has been remembered for her "heart of gold" after her body was found in a burnt out car near Scarsdale last week.
A worried family member reported the 23-year-old missing on the morning of Friday, April 5, 2024.
Hours later, CFA crews responding to reports of a car on fire in the Ross Creek State Forest, near State Forest Road in Scarsdale, found Ms McGuire's remains.
Late on Monday, April 9, homicide squad detectives charged Young, 21, with murder. He will appear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court.
In a Facebook post on Monday the National Hotel in Clunes, which Ms McGuire's parents Glenn and Debbie run, said their hearts were broken.
"Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken," the post read.
" 'You weren't just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky.' Miss you Princess!"
Sporting and community groups have vowed to support Ms McGuire's grieving family and friends.
"Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold," Clunes Cricket Club wrote in a Go Fund Me campaign to support Ms McGuire's family.
The National Hotel sponsors the Clunes Cricket Club and the club and community have wrapped their arms around the family and "everyone close to Hannah".
"As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude & Fletcher," they wrote.
"All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time," the Go Fund Me states.
The Go Fund Me raised more than $11,000 in its first four hours.
On Monday, the Ross Creek State Forest was quiet apart from the clatter of a chainsaw from a couple collecting firewood and the occasional 4WD passing through.
The area around State Forest Road, where police converged about 10am on Friday, was burned in a bushfire on February 13.
The ground and the trees are scorched black, with a few new shoots of green leaves and grasses starting to push through, but there is little evidence of the blaze that claimed the life of Ms McGuire.
Meanwhile, police tape remained at a house in King Drive, Sebastopol, where the men were arrested shortly before 5pm on Sunday, April 7.
The 22-year-old man was later released.
AS IT HAPPENED
TUESDAY, APRIL 9:
Sebastopol man Lachie Young is due to appear in the Ballarat Magistrates' Court after being charged with Ms McGuire's death.
Monday, April 8 - 4.05pm:
Homicide squad detectives have charged a 21-year-old Sebastopol man over the death of Clunes woman Hannah McGuire, whose body was found in a burnt out car in Scarsdale on Friday.
The man was arrested at a house in Sebastopol on Sunday afternoon, and late Monday was charged with one count of murder.
He will appear at Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Tuesday.
Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.
Monday, April 8 - 2.05pm:
Hannah McGuire has been remembered for her "heart of gold" as her family and community deal with the shock of her death.
Ms McGuire's body was found in a burned out car near State Forest Road in Scarsdale on Friday.
"Hannah was known by many as a bright young woman and had a heart of gold," Clunes Cricket Club wrote in a Go Fund Me campaign to support Ms McGuire's family.
Her parents Glenn and Debbie, who run the National Hotel in Clunes, sponsor the Clunes Cricket Club and the club and community have wrapped their arms around the family and "everyone close to Hannah".
"As a community we send our deepest love and condolences to Glenn, Debbie, Jude & Fletcher," they wrote.
The National Hotel posted at 2.19pm on Friday that it was closed until further notice "due to unforeseen circumstances".
"All proceeds will go towards funeral costs and other expenses the family may need during this tough time," the Go Fund Me states.
"We understand the family had to close business, so any extra funds raised will help support the family while they take the time they need to get back up and running.
"We know times are tough right now, but any donations big or small are greatly appreciated. Let's rally as a community and get behind this wonderful family.
"You were taken way too soon Hannah, but may you rest in peace."
Monday, April 8 - 12.10pm:
On Monday, the Ross Creek State Forest was quiet apart from the clatter of a chainsaw from a couple collecting firewood and the occasional 4WD passing through.
The area around State Forest Road, where police converged about 10am on Friday, was burned in a bushfire on February 13.
The ground and the trees are scorched black, with a few new shoots of green leaves and grasses starting to push through, but there is little evidence of the blaze that claimed the life of a 23-year-old Clunes woman.
Meanwhile, police tape remains a house in King Drive, Sebastopol, where it's understood one of the men was arrested.
Monday, April 8 - 9.40am:
Police have released a full press statement.
Detectives from the Homicide Squad arrested two men late yesterday afternoon following the location of a woman's body in Scarsdale on Friday.
Emergency services were called to reports of a vehicle on fire in bushland near State Forest Road just before 10am on Friday (5 April).
The remains of a 23-year-old Clunes woman were located inside the vehicle.
The woman had been reported missing by a member of her family earlier that morning.
Three search warrants were executed at residential addresses in Sebastopol yesterday afternoon (Sunday, 7 April).
Two Sebastopol men - a 21-year-old and a 22-year-old - were arrested shortly before 5pm.
The 22-year-old man has been released, whilst the 21-year-old man remains in custody and continues to be interviewed by police.
At this stage, investigators believe the parties involved were known to each other.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Any witnesses, anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Monday, April 8 - 9.10am:
Police have confirmed a crime scene has been established and "an investigation remains ongoing", a spokesperson said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
PREVIOUSLY:
Two men have been arrested after police found a 23-year-old woman's body in Scarsdale.
AAP reports the two men, aged 21 and 22, are both from Sebastopol.
The body of the woman, understood to be from Clunes, was found near State Forest Road on Friday, with police revealing the news on Monday morning.
The two men were arrested by homicide detectives, and are assisting police with their enquiries.
Victoria Police has been contacted for more information.
At this time it's understood the case is not linked to the Samantha Murphy investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
MORE TO COME
