Neighbor pleads guilty to manslaughter after killing, river dumping, and shopping spree

A Melbourne woman has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after killing her elderly neighbor, stuffing a tea towel into her mouth, dumping her body in a river, and then embarking on an online shopping spree.

Lolene Whitehand, 85, was allegedly attacked by her neighbor, Milena Bogojevska, 51, on July 12, 2024. Prosecutors detailed in Victoria's Supreme Court that Bogojevska assaulted Ms. Whitehand, stole her cash and debit card, and then placed her body into the Maribyrnong River.

Another neighbor, Kirraly Schumann, tearfully described Ms. Whitehand as a beloved grandmother figure to residents of Glamis Road in West Footscray. "She would have given us her last dollar if she had to," Schumann said.

“

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

Bogojevska's 15-year-old son was reportedly in a nearby room during the attack but was unaware of the violence as he was playing computer games with headphones on. That evening, Bogojevska transported Ms. Whitehand's body, weighing 47 kilograms, to the Maribyrnong River and pushed it in.

A fisherman discovered Ms. Whitehand's body two days later, partially wrapped in plastic with a bag over her head. Prosecutor Erin Ramsay noted that Bogojevska's son's name was written on the bag. As neighbors grew concerned and police began investigating Ms. Whitehand's disappearance, Bogojevska began spending the victim's stolen money. She spent over $4,000 on items including shoes, lottery tickets, a microwave, iPads, and gift cards. She also attempted to steal $800 worth of items from Coles.

Bogojevska was arrested within days after being captured on CCTV and having some of Ms. Whitehand's belongings found in her home. During police interviews, she adamantly denied responsibility, stating, "Oh no no no no no, I'm not a killer." Initially charged with murder, the charges were downgraded to manslaughter earlier this year after she pleaded guilty. The prosecution did not explain the reasons for the plea deal, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment, compared to a potential life sentence for murder.

“

Oh no no no no no, I'm not a killer.