Hundreds gathered Friday afternoon at Donald Memorial Hall to remember 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, who was found deceased in bushland on July 9. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with her murder.
Layla had been missing for five days before her body was discovered near Donald, a rural town in western Victoria. Mourners at the service recalled the teen as a complex individual, described as "shy but confident, sassy but considerate." Her mother, Tahlia, wore a pair of fleece-lined tartans Layla had ordered, and her aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, spoke of her niece's paradoxical nature, noting her desire to "simply exist quietly alongside those she loved most."
Friends and family remembered Layla, who also went by "La-La" or "Laylabug," for her love of climbing, spending time with her grandfather, and motorbikes. She had also begun developing an interest in fashion.
Her father, Aaron, read David Harkins' poem "She Is Gone," reflecting on moving forward with cherished memories. A slideshow of photographs from Layla's 13 years was presented by local pastor and celebrant Lisa Woods.
Layla's small white coffin was adorned with messages and love hearts in bright pink and green inks by loved ones before it was taken for cremation. She is survived by her parents and brother, Eddy, as well as several family pets.
Authorities were alerted to Layla's disappearance on July 5, the day after she was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald. A large-scale search involving local police, the dog squad, air wing, and a search and rescue unit was conducted in bushland near Byrne Street. Officers arrested a 16-year-old boy at a local property the day after Layla's remains were found and subsequently charged him with one count of murder. The boy's identity is not being released due to his age, and the case is proceeding in children's court.