A 16-year-old boy has been arrested by investigators after human remains, believed to be those of missing 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, were discovered during a large-scale search operation in bushland near Donald, in Victoria's west. The tragic development has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit rural community.

Layla Jeffery was last seen on McCracken Street, Donald, on July 4, and was officially reported missing the following day. Her disappearance prompted an urgent and extensive search by local authorities and emergency services.

The remains were found late on Thursday in bushland off Byrne Street. While formal identification is still pending, investigators believe them to be Layla's. The death is being treated as suspicious, and the Missing Persons Squad has taken charge of the ongoing investigation.

Police Confidence in Ongoing Investigation

Detective Inspector David Dunstan, leading the Missing Persons Squad, confirmed the arrest of the 16-year-old male, who remains in custody. Additionally, a 53-year-old woman from Donald and a 55-year-old woman from Melbourne are assisting police with their inquiries.

Inspector Dunstan indicated that the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Layla's death is still in its early stages. "We're relying on the pathology examination to determine how long she's potentially been there, and the time of death," he stated. Despite the preliminary nature of some findings, he expressed confidence in the current progress. "We are quietly confident that those responsible are in custody now. We don't think there's anyone else who may be involved in the situation, it is a tragic outcome for the Donald community," he added.

A warrant was executed at a property in Donald around 11 am today as part of the extensive police work. The multi-agency search, which involved local police, the dog squad, AirWing, Search and Rescue squads, and the State Emergency Service, covered a significant area of nearby bushland.

Community Devastated by Heartbreaking News

The news has profoundly impacted the small town of Donald. Inspector Dunstan described Layla's family as "devastated," acknowledging the immense grief of any parent losing a child under such circumstances. He also urged local parents to speak with their children about what has occurred. "Have a chat to your kids and any contact that they may have had with Layla or a friendship group on social media, we can take any sort of information and upload that to Crime Stoppers anonymously," he appealed.

Donald resident Shane O'Shea articulated the community's anguish, highlighting how Layla's disappearance and the subsequent discovery have shaken the town. "When you're a population of Donald and everyone knows everyone, when something like this happens... it really does upset the community," O'Shea said. "There's a certain amount of fear goes through the town, before they know what actually happened. You think it doesn't happen in Donald, or can't happen in a small community like Donald, but suddenly you're thrust upon it."

Buloke Shire Councillor Charmaine Delaney echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sorrow. "As a community we are truly devastated, just looking at how can we come together to support the family, friends and acquaintances and looking at what services we can offer them in the future," Cr Delaney commented. She observed the visible impact on residents as the news broke, noting the close-knit nature of the community.

Buloke Shire Mayor Graeme Milne underscored the lasting ripple effect of the tragedy. "It's just devastated the community. The ripple effect that's gone through is certainly going to be felt for a long time through the town," Cr Milne stated, reflecting on the initial seriousness indicated by the large police and SES presence.

Authorities are continuing to appeal to anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.