For days, Layla Jeffery's family kept a light on, hoping the missing 13-year-old would walk back through the front door. Instead, human remains believed to be hers were found in bushland near Donald, in western Victoria, on Thursday. A 16-year-old boy was arrested the following day. Now, Layla's devastated family says they simply want justice and answers.
Family's Heartbreaking Vigil
Layla's aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, said Layla left home about 3.57am on July 4 after switching on a light because 'she was planning to come back.' 'That's why we haven't turned the lights off since, because we were hoping that she would just walk in the door, and apologise for scaring everyone,' Cheyne said.
Layla was reported missing on July 5 after she was last seen on McCracken St in Donald the previous day. Police launched a large-scale search of bushland west of Byrne St before finding human remains believed to be hers in parkland about 1km from her home.
Arrest and Investigation
A 16-year-old boy was arrested following the discovery. Police continue to investigate Layla's death. Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan said the boy was known to both Layla and police. Two Melbourne women, aged 53 and 55, who are linked to the boy, are assisting investigators but have not been arrested.
Family's Grief and Gratitude
While the discovery was devastating, Cheyne said the family was grateful Layla had been found. 'As hard as it is and as horrible as it is, we were somewhat prepared for this outcome. As much as we wanted her home, we were not naive,' she said. 'I'm also very, very glad that while we were searching we were not the ones to find her because as much as we desperately wanted to, I'm just very, very glad we did not.'
Asked how the family was coping, Cheyne's response was simple: 'We aren't. We just aren't.'
Final Memories
Cheyne said her final interaction with Layla came just two hours before she left home, when the pair exchanged playful TikTok messages in the early hours of the morning. 'She'd sent me a message scolding me and telling me to go to bed. So I told her she's not my mum and doesn't get to tell me what to do. She of course denied that and swears she is my mother and it is her right. So it was just really nice banter with my niece and I'm really, really glad that I got to have that,' Cheyne said.
The last time Layla's mother, Tahlia, saw her was the night before she disappeared, when the pair spent a quiet evening together. 'They just had a really good night together and they were happy and laughing, and it was just a really sweet night, and I'm really glad that that is her final memory with her,' Cheyne said.
Remembering Layla
Cheyne described Layla as a sweet, shy and confident girl who loved fashion, beauty, bedazzling, shopping and spending time with her friends. 'Anytime she would find anything she would buy the same thing for her best friend because she wanted them to match. She took a lot of pride in her appearance; she had a lot of awareness of her own value and her own beauty. And she was absolutely gorgeous. She was just the sweetest girl. I loved how sassy she was,' she said.
Cheyne said Layla was 'very, very, very sensible' and described her as '13 going on 30.' 'She was never the type to go out and do anything crazy like underage drink,' she said.
Community Support
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover funeral costs and provide practical support for Layla's family. 'Like so many others, our Donald community is heartbroken by the tragic news surrounding Layla. No family should have to face the loss of a child while also worrying about the costs that come with saying goodbye and life for them moving forward. Every donation, no matter the amount, will help support Layla's loved ones as they navigate the days and weeks ahead,' the fundraiser reads.
An extensive search remained underway in Donald on Friday afternoon, with Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan urging residents to stay away from the area so investigators could carry out their work. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
