The court heard detectives needed extra time to analyse a significant amount of CCTV footage and forensic evidence, which they indicated would be the cornerstone of the prosecution case.
Bogojevska sat with her head bowed or resting on a grey chair at the women’s prison for much of Tuesday’s hearing, occasionally wiping her eyes with her hands.
Alleged killer Milena Bogojevska.
Her lawyer said she suffered from nerve damage to her lower back, and depression and anxiety, for which she was medicated.
The case is expected to return to court in November.
Whitehand had been missing since 4pm on July 12, sparking concerns among loved ones. Days later homicide squad detectives arrested Bogojevska as part of the investigation.
The discovery of Whitehand’s body came about 90 minutes after the body of a 20-year-old Colombian man was found in the Maribyrnong River near Saltriver Place in Footscray.
Flowers outside Whitehand’s home.Credit: Melissa Cunningham
Police say the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and that the two deaths are not linked.
Officers still want to speak to anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from the areas around Glamis Road, West Footscray, or Smithfield Road, Flemington, near Lynch’s Bridge, between 12pm on Friday, July 12 and 10.30am on Sunday, July 14.
Police also want to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity during that time.
Witnesses or anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Bogojevska’s case is expected to return to court in November.
In another court on Tuesday, Bogojevska, who is on a disability support pension, pleaded guilty to separate and unrelated charges of arson and theft.
Magistrate David Starvaggi said it was lucky “further catastrophic outcomes” didn’t occur when Bogojevska poured petrol over a Holden Barina and set it on fire at Yarraville on August 5, 2023. The flames spread to a nearby Optus phone tower, causing almost $8500 damage.
Loading
She also pleaded guilty to having stolen a handbag containing about $8000 cash from a car outside a post office in West Footscray on July 21, 2023.
Starvaggi said that offending was serious and sentenced Bogojevska to seven days in jail.
John Silvester lifts the lid on Australia’s criminal underworld. Subscribers can sign up to receive his Naked City newsletter every Thursday.
Read the full article here
