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Silos glowed pink and bubbles floated across a simple white coffin as the small country town of Donald gathered to remember a young life cut short.
Hundreds of mourners from across the farming region in the state’s north-west attended Friday’s public memorial for 13-year-old Layla Jeffery, who was allegedly murdered by another child earlier this month.
Bunches of pink balloons escorted Layla’s coffin outside before it was driven through a guard of honour in heart of the historic town of 1400 people.
“Layla was a truly spectacular person who would have conquered the world if she hadn’t been taken from us,” said Layla’s aunt, Kaitlyn Cheyne, who delivered the eulogy.
Attendees at Layla’s memorial service were asked to wear a black hoodie or a Hello Kitty item to honour her. Layla’s father, Aaron, also read out a tribute. Her friends wrote messages on her coffin. An emotional compilation of photos was played. And, overnight, Donald’s grain silos were lit up in pink in Layla’s memory.
The small community was rocked on Friday, July 10 when police searching for Layla announced they had discovered a body near the Richardson River the day before.
Authorities had launched a major search after Layla was last seen on Saturday, July 4, and reported missing by a family member the next day.
A 16-year-old boy from northern Victoria, who cannot be identified as he is a child, was charged with Layla’s murder on July 11.
Born in Shepparton in 2013, Layla spent time in Benalla and moved to Donald three years ago, her aunt said.
“Though her years were far shorter than she deserved, over that time she grew into someone who felt a deep love for her family and friends, with a strong sense of self and the confidence to back it up,” Cheyne said.
“Though she was also something of a paradox because she often disliked being perceived, and liked to simply exist quietly alongside those she loved most.”
Cheyne recalled the sounds of laughter when Layla had sleepovers with her friends, and fondly remembered her love of fashion, particularly jewellery and colouring her hair.
Layla always looked out for her friends and had a brilliant creative streak, Cheyne said. She loved her pets, music, movies like the Harry Potter series, and TV shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
“She was both shy and confident in many different ways – funny, sassy, kind, generous, stylish, sweet, cheeky, loving, and considerate,” her aunt said.
“And I could go on and on and on, but it would still never be enough words to express the depth of her character or the loss we are all feeling.”
The boy charged with Layla’s murder was due to face a children’s court on Friday, but his case was adjourned beforehand until late August.
Lachlan Abbott is a crime reporter at The Age. He was previously a city reporter and covered breaking news.Connect via email.From our partners
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