The tragic case of Hannah McGuire, who was found deceased in a burnt-out car on April 5, 2023, has taken a disturbing turn with the revelation of theft related to a fundraiser set up for her family.

Lachlan Morganti, 22, has pleaded guilty to stealing over $64,000 from this fundraiser, which was intended to cover funeral expenses and other costs for the grieving McGuire family.

Morganti received the funds from the GoFundMe on April 25, but he gambled away nearly all of it within a week.

He confessed to Debbie McGuire, Hannah's mother, about losing the money to gambling, prompting her to report the theft to the authorities.

Morganti transferred two payments of $1,500 to associates, who subsequently alerted the police after discovering the theft.

Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz characterized Morganti's actions as one of the most selfish acts of greed she had encountered, particularly in a community already mourning.

Morganti's history of gambling addiction, which began at age 18, has been cited as a significant factor in his decision to steal the funds.

The prosecution is seeking to recover the lost funds from Morganti, who faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for theft.

Morganti's sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2024, where the court will consider the impact of his actions on the close-knit Ballarat community.

Following the news of McGuire's alleged murder, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her family, initially aiming to raise $15,000 but ultimately exceeding $64,000 within just four days.

The theft has left a significant impact on Ballarat, where Hannah was one of three women killed in violent incidents earlier in the year.

Debbie McGuire expressed her deep betrayal in court, highlighting how Morganti attended her daughter's funeral while knowing he had misused the community's generosity.