The heartbroken family of Layla Jeffery has joined dozens of Donald locals at a vigil to honour the slain 13-year-old, as the tiny town rallies around her loved ones in their darkest hour.<\/p>\n
The emotional gathering comes as the 16-year-old boy accused of killing her<\/a> refused a police request to undergo forensic testing, sparking a court battle over the crucial evidence.<\/p>\n WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Donald community mourns slain teenager Layla Jeffery<\/p>\n Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n Candles and broken hearts filled the small Victorian town as a Donald reverend led the community vigil for the young life lost.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t say anything to bring Layla back, but we can say something to bring comfort to one another,\u201d local resident Lisa Woods said.<\/p>\n The teenager accused of her murder attempted to refuse a DNA sample and physical examination from police, with his defence lawyer saying he has \u201cdisabilities and complex diagnoses\u201d.<\/p>\n But the court overruled the objection, with the magistrate saying \u201ctime is of the essence\u201d and \u201cthe physical examination needs to be done immediately\u201d.<\/p>\n Rather than a disability, the magistrate said the accused had \u201ccognitive deficits\u201d.<\/p>\n His charge sheet reveals police will allege he murdered Layla on July 4, the night she went missing.<\/p>\n Police are set to present their case to the court in September, with the boy\u2019s committal hearing scheduled for November. Until then, he will remain in custody.<\/p>\n The tight-knit community is doing all they can to support Layla\u2019s family during this devastating time.<\/p>\n \u201cIt feels terrible actually,\u201d one said. \u201cWe\u2019re a well committed town that sticks together and things like this should not ever happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Another resident described the tragedy as an \u201cabsolute disaster\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cWe all have feelings that country towns are safe,\u201d he said. \u201cIt takes some of that feeling away.\u201d<\/p>\n