Shock, tears as 'calculated' neighbour killer sentenced

A 51-year-old woman, Milena Bogojevska, was sentenced to eight years in prison with a non-parole period of six years for the brutal murder of her elderly neighbour, 85-year-old Lolene Whitehand. The court heard that Bogojevska suffocated Whitehand by shoving a tea towel into her mouth after Whitehand was seen entering the killer's home.

Security footage showed Bogojevska disposing of Whitehand's body in the Maribyrnong River, which was discovered two days later by a fisherman. Bogojevska had no prior relationship with Whitehand and her motive remains unclear. The judge described Bogojevska's actions as opportunistic, calculated and self-serving, noting that her lack of remorse was deeply troubling.

Whitehand's family and neighbours expressed shock and tears at the sentencing, with Whitehand's daughter Samantha becoming emotional during the proceedings. The judge took into account Bogojevska's difficult upbringing and abuse she endured as a teenager, but still deemed her actions unjustified. Bogojevska has an autoimmune disorder and will require dialysis three times a week, with a five-year survival rate on dialysis of 70 percent. She could be eligible for parole as early as 2030.