Melbourne Woman Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter of Elderly Neighbour

A 51-year-old woman has pleaded guilty in a Melbourne court to the manslaughter of her 85-year-old neighbour.

The Incident and Discovery

Milena Bogojevska pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Lolene Joy Whitehand. The offence occurred on July 12, 2024.

Court documents state that Bogojevska assaulted Whitehand in her home, placed a tea towel in her mouth, stole cash and a debit card, and later transported the body to the Maribyrnong River, where she discarded it.

A fisherman discovered Whitehand's body two days later.

The Accused's Actions

Following the incident, Bogojevska allegedly used the victim's bank card to make purchases totaling over $4,000. These purchases included shoes, lottery tickets, a microwave, iPads, and gift cards.

She was arrested on July 16, 2024, while in possession of the victim's bank card. Evidence presented included a school bag bearing the name of Bogojevska's son. Bogojevska also faces allegations of attempting to steal from a Coles store.

Plea and Defence Arguments

Bogojevska initially denied responsibility before reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Her defence team argued that the death was an unintended consequence of a spontaneous assault and that she does not pose a significant danger to the community. The defence also cited Bogojevska's difficult childhood in Macedonia and her forced migration to Australia.

The Victim and Community Impact

Lolene Joy Whitehand, a widow, had lived alone in West Footscray for over 40 years and was known in her community. She visited her sister daily at an aged care home and collected her pension weekly. On the day of the incident, she was last seen entering Bogojevska's front yard. Bogojevska lived a few houses away with her teenage son.

In a victim impact statement read in court, Whitehand's son, Gary O'Brien, expressed deep sadness. O'Brien died two days before the statement was read.

Neighbour Kirraly Schumann described Whitehand as a beloved figure and noted the community's ongoing distress.

Next Steps

The hearing is ongoing. Sentencing is scheduled for a later date.