'Human remains' found in Donald, Victoria, in tragic end to hunt for missing Layla, 13 - as detectives brand her death suspicious: 'I feel sick'

By WAYNE FLOWER, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 05:57, 10 July 2026 | Updated: 06:15, 10 July 2026 Human remains believed to be those of a missing teenager have been discovered in rural Victoria.  Detectives from Victoria Police's Missing Persons Squad are investigating after the remains were found in Donald - about 280km north-west of Melbourne - on Thursday during the search for the missing teenage girl. Layla Jade Jeffery, 13, was last seen on McCracken Street in Donald on July 4 and was not heard from or seen again. The Donald teen was reported missing the following day. A large-scale search was conducted in bushland west of Byrne Street after she was reported missing.  Local police, along with specialist officers from the Dog Squad, Air Wing and Search and Rescue Squad, were involved in the search, which resulted in the remains being located late on Thursday afternoon.  While the remains are yet to be formally identified, they are believed to be those of the missing girl.  A warrant was executed at a residential property in Donald shortly after 11am on Friday as part of the investigation. Layla Jade Jeffery went missing in Donald, with remains believed to be hers found on Thursday  Locals had tried desperately to find Layla Jade Jeffery The investigation into the circumstances of the girl's death remains ongoing. Police are currently treating it as suspicious.  Donald locals had tried desperately to find the missing teenager.   'I know both her parents and brother and I feel sick at the very thought that something has happened to Layla,' one friend posted to social media before the remains were found.  'I'm not a praying woman but I hope with everything inside me that this little girl is found alive. I cannot even begin to think how her Mum is feeling - as a mum, I can only imagine.  'If anyone at all has even the tiniest bit of knowledge, no matter how inconsequential, go to the police!  'If you saw Layla, even just for a mere second, you saw someone that made your gut churn or even perhaps have overheard something, speak up.  'This child deserves it, her family need it!' Police are set to address the media on Friday afternoon.  Loved ones had been frantically searching for Layla  Anyone with information in relation to the matter is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au