Accused killer of 85yo woman found in river identified

Milena Bogojevska, 49, appeared via video link in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, almost a week after she was charged with the murder of Lolene Whitehand

The 85-year-old's body was found floating in the Maribyrnong River in Flemington on July 14.

Police allege Bogojevska knew Ms Whitehand. 

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested but released without charge. 

The court was closed during Bogojevska's first court appearance on Wednesday, when her lawyers successfully sought to suppress her name and any other identifying information. 

But that suppression was lifted on Tuesday afternoon during another closed-court hearing.

Once the court was reopened, Magistrate Stephen Ballek allowed prosecutors 12 weeks to compile the brief of evidence against the 49-year-old, including CCTV footage and forensic material. 

Bogojevska sat half-slumped in a chair as she watched the proceedings from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women's prison.

The magistrate noted Bogojevska needed steroid injections in custody due to ongoing nerve damage to her lower back. 

She also required the medications Lexapro and Valium for her diagnosed depression and anxiety, Mr Ballek noted.

He remanded Bogojevska to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court in November for a committal mention hearing. 

She did not apply for bail. 

Earlier on Tuesday, Bogojevska pleaded guilty to separate theft and arson charges from two incidents in July and August 2023.

She admitted stealing a woman's handbag with items valued at $8000 from a car in West Footscray. 

She also set fire to another person's car, which also caused damage to a nearby phone tower. 

Bogojevski was convicted and sentenced to seven days in jail over the 2023 incidents. 

Australian Associated Press