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AAP
AAP
National
Tara Cosoleto

Accused killer allegedly stole from 85-year-old victim

Lolene Whitehand's body was found floating in the Maribyrnong River 10 days ago. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)

An accused murderer allegedly stole jewellery, cash and personal items from an 85-year-old woman on the same day she killed her. 

Court documents released on Wednesday state Milena Bogojevska, 49, allegedly trespassed with an intent to steal at Lolene Whitehand's West Footscray home on July 12.

She then allegedly stole items valued at $2000 from the 85-year-old, including jewellery, cash, a wallet and personal identification documents.

Bogojevska is accused of murdering Ms Whitehand on the same day. 

Ms Whitehand's body was found floating in the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne's west on July 14. 

Police allege Bogojevska knew Ms Whitehand. 

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested over the death but released without charge. 

Bogojevska faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday where a suppression on her identity was lifted during a closed-court hearing. 

She was remanded in custody to appear in November for a committal mention hearing. 

Magistrate Stephen Ballek allowed prosecutors 12 weeks to compile the brief of evidence against the 49-year-old, including CCTV footage and forensic material. 

The magistrate also noted Bogojevska required steroid injections to manage ongoing nerve damage to her lower back, as well as medication for her anxiety and depression. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Bogojevska pleaded guilty to separate theft and arson charges from two incidents in July and August 2023.

She admitted stealing a woman's handbag with items valued at $8000 from a car in West Footscray and setting fire to another person's car, which also caused damage to a nearby phone tower. 

Bogojevski was convicted and sentenced to seven days in jail over the 2023 incidents. 

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