Rhian's Facebook tribute defaced

Rhian Elsmore.

Supplied

CYBER vandals have targeted the Facebook group dedicated to Rhian Elsmore, whose body was found at a property north of Rockhampton on Monday.

The users, known as trolls, posted abusive and inappropriate messages on Wednesday night while friends were at the 17-year-old's candlelight vigil.

Group creator Kae Wallace said the inappropriate messages were hurtful and were posted while the three people who monitored the site could not immediately delete them.

She told members of the group yesterday in a private message that some accounts had been blocked and reported to Facebook officials and police.

“Due to these happenings, I've had to turn public wall posts off for a while, if not permanently. Thanks those of you who left kind words.”

Approved members can still view the page titled “RIP Rhian Erin Elsmore”, but not post items.

The site had been extremely popular this week, with hundreds posting tributes to Rhian.

Before all posts were blocked, one user said, “This page wasn't set up for people to be rude, disrespectful and just plain mean”.

Another described the posts as “disgusting”.

“Guys seriously…she was only young and her family and friends have enough to deal with, stop leaving disturbing comments on this page – it's called respect,” one user wrote.

On a positive note, Kae said the candlelight vigil held on Yeppoon's Beachfront was “absolutely beautiful” and she thanked those who brought flowers and candles.

She has posted up photos from the night for approved members to view.

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have information about the movements of Rhian before her death, and those of Levi Hayes, who is accused of her murder.

Read more...

Friends pay tribute to Rhian

Sister and Rhian were very close

Friends plan tribute to Rhian