A jury is set to visit the location in regional Victoria where the body of Hannah McGuire was discovered inside a burned vehicle, as her former boyfriend, Lachlan Young, faces trial for her murder. Young, aged 23, has admitted to killing McGuire on April 5, 2024, but has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, asserting that her death was the result of a spontaneous act rather than premeditation.
The jury, comprising 14 members, will explore the exact site where McGuire’s remains were found, as well as the property where the alleged killing took place, and Young’s parents’ home. Prosecutors contend that Young planned and executed McGuire’s murder following a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour during their relationship. It is alleged that he became desperate when he realised the relationship was ending and feared losing the home they shared.
After McGuire’s death, Young reportedly attempted to stage her death as a suicide by sending fabricated messages to her mother from McGuire’s phone. He also allegedly sent messages to himself from her device and withdrew a significant sum from her bank account. Defence barrister Glenn Casement acknowledged that Young killed McGuire and described his actions post-death as “shameful,” but disputed the allegation that there was an intention to kill or inflict serious injury—a crucial component for a murder conviction.
Casement urged the jury to maintain an open mind regarding the defence’s argument, cautioning against forming a biased view of the events leading up to McGuire’s death. At the end of the court session, Justice James Elliott reminded the jurors to be prepared for their site visit, suggesting they bring umbrellas and warm clothing, as the temperature was forecast to be quite low.
Support resources for those affected by domestic and family violence are available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).