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.

The emotional gathering comes as the 16-year-old boy accused of killing her refused a police request to undergo forensic testing, sparking a court battle over the crucial evidence.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Donald community mourns slain teenager Layla Jeffery

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Candles and broken hearts filled the small Victorian town as a Donald reverend led the community vigil for the young life lost.

“We can’t say anything to bring Layla back, but we can say something to bring comfort to one another,” local resident Lisa Woods said.

The teenager accused of her murder attempted to refuse a DNA sample and physical examination from police, with his defence lawyer saying he has “disabilities and complex diagnoses”.

But the court overruled the objection, with the magistrate saying “time is of the essence” and “the physical examination needs to be done immediately”.

Rather than a disability, the magistrate said the accused had “cognitive deficits”.

His charge sheet reveals police will allege he murdered Layla on July 4, the night she went missing.

Police are set to present their case to the court in September, with the boy’s committal hearing scheduled for November. Until then, he will remain in custody.

The tight-knit community is doing all they can to support Layla’s family during this devastating time.

“It feels terrible actually,” one said. “We’re a well committed town that sticks together and things like this should not ever happen.”

Another resident described the tragedy as an “absolute disaster”.

“We all have feelings that country towns are safe,” he said. “It takes some of that feeling away.”