Man accused of stealing more than 65k raised for Hannah McGuire’s family after her alleged murder by ex-partner Lachlan Young

A young Victoria man has been accused of stealing more than $65,000 raised for the family of Victorian a woman who was allegedly murdered by her estranged partner in what their community called “one of the most vile acts imaginable”.

The 26-year-old Winter Valley man is accused of allegedly stealing funds intended for Hannah McGuire’s family.

Hannah’s body was found in a burned-out car in a state forest in Scarsdalesouthwest of Ballaratjust before 10 a.m. on April 5, hours after the 23-year-old’s family reported her missing.

Get the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Her ex-partner Lachlan Young, 21, now faces murder charges.

A GoFundMe campaign was set up for Hannah’s family after her death, but the Winter Valley man now charged with theft allegedly stole those donated funds between April 25th and May 8th.

He has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear before Ballarat magistrates Court on June 20.

Locals said they were “devastated” to learn the funds had not reached Khanna’s family.

“At a time when we all felt so helpless, coming together as a community to raise funds for the McGuire family felt like a tiny sliver of light to shine on a family that has been through hell,” one person said on social media media.

“I am completely disappointed to learn that the $66,294 GoFundMe money was never delivered to Glenn and Debbie.”

The community member urged anyone who donated to file a donor protection claim on GoFundMe and consider redirecting that money to the McGuire family’s bank account.

Another community called the alleged theft “one of the lowest acts imaginable.”

“Absolutely devastated that this has happened to Debbie and Glenn after everything they’ve been through,” they said.

Remembered as “a ray of sunshine”

Hannah said goodbye to his relatives on April 29and remembered as a “beam of sunshine.”

“Hannah touched our lives in profound ways and her memory will be forever etched in our souls,” said Hannah’s mother, Deb McGuire.

“Hannah, we miss the way your presence made everything feel good.”

Family friend Nicole van Berkel said Hannah’s “love of life was contagious.”

“Hannah was a ray of sunshine and her smile could light up a room,” van Berkel said.

Her alleged killer last appeared in court on April 9.

Young was remanded in custody for a further appearance on September 19.