General News
10 July, 2026
Teen arrested after remains found in Donald
Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad arrested a 16-year-old male after human remains were found in Donald yesterday during a search for a missing teenage girl.
Police executed a warrant at a residential address on Friday, July 10, and took a 16-year-old from the Swan Hill area into custody.
He is currently being interviewed by detectives.
Two women, a 53-year-old from Donald and a 55-year-old from Melbourne, are also assisting police with their enquiries.
The remains are yet to be formally identified, but they are believed to be those of the missing 13-year-old girl, Layla.
A large-scale search was conducted in bushland west of Byrne Street after a family member reported her missing on 5 July.
The 13-year-old was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald on July 4.
Local police and specialist officers from the Dog Squad, Air Wing, and Search and Rescue Squad participated in the search, which led to the discovery of the remains late Thursday afternoon.
The investigation into the circumstances around the death of the girl remains ongoing.
However, police are currently treating it as suspicious.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.