Accused murderer Lachie Young has appeared at Ballarat Magistrate’s Court today after being charged with the death of Hannah McGuire.

This comes after emergency services found the body of missing 23-year-old Hannah McGuire while attending a car fire near State Forest Road in Scarsdale south-west of Ballarat on Friday.

Young and a 22-year-old man were arrested in Sebastopol on Sunday. The 21-year-old, who is reportedly McGuire’s ex-boyfriend, has been charged with her murder and the other man has since been released without charge.

The Herald Sun has reported that Young allegedly told McGuire’s friends via text she had taken her own life after posting a tribute to her on his social media.

Police prosecutors requested a 16-week-period to prepare a brief of evidence before the case returns to court. Prosecutors said multiple crime scenes were being analysed along with CCTV and other items. It is understood that police will claim that Young killed McGuire before driving to Scarsdale to the set the car on fire.

Young’s lawyer, Crystal Caruana, said the police had not shared information, meaning the defence had to obtain information through the media.

The Ballarat Magistrate’s Court heard that it was Young’s first time in custody and no application for bail was made. The accused will be remanded in custody and is expected to return to court in September.

McGuire’s home town of Clunes has started a fundraiser through the Clunes Cricket Club and has so far raised more than $42,000 to support McGuire’s family.

Eureka Netball Club extended their sympathies after the loss of their former player.

“Sending our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our past player, Hannah McGuire,” they wrote in a Facebook post.

The National Hotel Clunes, a pub owned by McGuire’s family thanked everyone for their support.

“Thank you everyone for your love, support and kind words. Our hearts are broken. ‘You weren’t just a star to us. You were our whole damn sky.’ Miss you Princess,” the tribute read.

Photo: Clunes, Victoria by Pat M2007 is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.