Neighbour sentenced to eight years for manslaughter of 85-year-old Melbourne grandmother

In the Supreme Court, Milena Bogojevska, 51, was sentenced to up to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter of her neighbour, 85-year-old Lolene Whitehand, whose body was discovered partially wrapped in plastic in the Maribyrnong River. The assault occurred when Whitehand entered Bogojevska's home and was suffocated with a tea towel, leading to her death. Bogojevska later placed the body in her car, drove to the river and disposed of it; a fisherman found the remains two days later.

The judge highlighted Bogojevska's lack of remorse and unexplained motives, setting a six-year non-parole period, with the earliest parole date in July 2030. During sentencing, Whitehand's daughter told the offender to “rot in hell,” to which Bogojevska responded, “You too.” The case also revealed Bogojevska had spent over $4,000 of the victim’s money on personal items and attempted further theft.