Grieving Parents Testify in Court as Trial Over Hannah McGuire’s Death Intensifies

BALLARAT, VICTORIA—The murder trial of Lachlan Young, accused of killing 23-year-old Hannah McGuire, took a devastating turn on Monday as the victim’s parents delivered heart-wrenching testimony in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Both Debbie and Glenn McGuire were visibly emotional as they described their daughter’s turbulent final months and her efforts to leave a relationship they said had turned controlling and violent.

The court heard that McGuire, whose remains were found inside a burned vehicle in Scarsdale bushland in April 2024, had previously obtained an intervention order against Young just days before her death. Young, who has admitted to manslaughter but pleaded not guilty to murder, is accused of staging Hannah’s death to appear as a suicide in an alleged attempt to avoid responsibility.

Debbie McGuire told the court she received a disturbing text message from her daughter’s phone around 3:40 a.m. (ante meridiem) on the morning of April 5. The message read like a farewell and referenced feelings of hopelessness. The prosecution alleges Young sent the message after the killing in order to mislead authorities and family members.

According to Debbie, she immediately drove to the couple’s Sebastopol home and found Young feigning concern and accepting a transfer of funds from Hannah’s account. “It didn’t sit right,” she said tearfully. “He acted like it was all a shock, but something was off.”

Glenn McGuire also took the stand, recounting a history of intimidation and controlling behavior by the accused. He told the court of occasions when Young allegedly blocked Hannah from leaving their home, took her car keys, and monitored her movements. He also revealed that after the relationship ended, Young was captured on security footage burning photographs of the couple.

Prosecutor Kristie Churchill argued that Young’s actions were calculated and driven by jealousy and control. Evidence presented so far includes discussions Young allegedly had with a co-worker about drugging Hannah or staging a car crash to scare her.

The jury has visited the key locations related to the case, including the Sebastopol residence and the remote site where the burnt-out car was discovered.

The trial, expected to last several more weeks, continues as the court weighs whether Young’s conduct was a spontaneous act or a premeditated crime concealed under a façade of remorse.