Mum's tribute to "kind" teenager after unidentified remains found
Isla Bell's mum, Justine Spokes, has paid tribute to the "kind" and "gentle" teenager, after remains believed to be the 19-year-old's were found at a waste management facility in Melbourne's south-east.
Bell was last seen leaving her Brunswick home about 6pm on October 4 and made final contact with her friends on October 7.
At the time, her mother made a heartfelt plea for her return, saying: "We just can't wait to hold you bub, we love you so much and we just want to know you're safe, my darling."
On Tuesday afternoon, police arrived at a facility in Bentleigh East, after receiving a tip-off that a white van was seen dumping a fridge believed to be connected to the investigation. The found the yet-to-be-formally identified remains at the facility.
Two men have been charged over the death of the 19-year-old, and documents released by the court on Wednesday revealed that she was allegedly murdered in St Kilda East, the same day she was last in contact with her loved ones.
Police allege a 53-year-old man, who she was believed to be staying with a few days prior to her death, attacked her inside his apartment, and a 57-year-old man helped him hide her body in the fridge.
They also allege the 53-year-old man initially denied knowledge of the fridge, but eventually admitted to transporting Bell's remains after she died at his house, but claims he did not know how she died and denied any involvement.
In a statement to The Age, Bell's mother said her daughter is "cherished forever and suffering no more".
"I am so sorry I could not protect you, that your experience of the world was cruel and unsafe," Spokes said.
"Despite your challenges, you lived bravely, stood up for what was right and remained the kindest human, the gentlest soul.
"May your (alleged) murderer murder no more. With the deepest love and respect, your Mumma."
Image: Nine News