Killer told to 'rot in hell' by victim's family after jail sentence

A remorseless woman who suffocated her elderly neighbor and dumped her body in a Melbourne river has been sentenced to a maximum of eight years in jail. Milena Bogojevska, 51, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 85-year-old Lolene Whitehand, whose bound body was found partially wrapped in plastic in the Maribyrnong River in July 2024.

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may you rot in hell

Bogojevska, Ms. Whitehand's neighbor, was initially charged with murder but accepted a deal to plead guilty to the lesser charge. During the sentencing hearing, Ms. Whitehand's daughter told Bogojevska, "may you rot in hell," to which the killer replied, "You too." With time already served, Bogojevska could be eligible for parole in four years.

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You too

Justice Jacinta Forbes stated that Ms. Whitehand's death devastated her family and neighbors, who considered her like an extended family member. The judge noted that Bogojevska had shown no remorse and offered no explanation for the attack. "Your acts are unexplained and inexplicable," Justice Forbes said, adding that the loss of Ms. Whitehand's life and the grief caused were immeasurable.

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Your acts are unexplained and inexplicable

The court heard that Ms. Whitehand was assaulted and suffocated with a tea towel inside Bogojevska's home. Bogojevska's 15-year-old son was in a nearby room but was unaware of the attack due to wearing headphones. After the killing, Bogojevska spent more than $4,000 of Ms. Whitehand's stolen money on various items, including shoes, an iPad, and a microwave. She was arrested after Ms. Whitehand's belongings were found in her home. Bogojevska initially denied responsibility to the police.

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She would have given us her last dollar if she had to