The Mount Gambier man accused of murdering 55-year-old Mount Gambier woman Rachel Moresi appeared in a local court yesterday (Monday).
Troy Earle James, 53, appeared in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court via audio visual link dressed in black in front of Magistrate Koula Kossiavelos yesterday afternoon.
Mr James was extradited to Mount Gambier after appearing in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon.
Magistrate Timothy Gattuso approved the extradition request to the Mount Gambier Police Station in the custody of Detective Sergeant Nathan Murray.
South Australian and Victorian police located and arrested Mr James over the Victorian border in Portland late on Thursday.
Mr James was represented by Michael Hill from Michael Hill Criminal Law who said there was no application for bail.
Mount Gambier Police Prosecutor Pero Kolundzic, representing the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), requested around 12 months for a charge determination and Magistrate Kossiavelos said she would bring it back before the end of the year to “see where things are at”.
Mr James’ court appearance came after police were called to a Mount Gambier property last week.
Just after 1pm last Wednesday, police were called to a home on Pick Avenue after a person was seen collapsed at the property.
When police first arrived, they noticed a toxic smell coming from within the premises and requested the Metropolitan Fire Service to attend and make an assessment.
Once the property was safe to enter, police discovered Ms Moresi deceased inside.
Detectives from Major Crime Investigation Branch and Forensic Response officers attended the scene on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to assist local police.
The matter was adjourned and Mr James will reappear in the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday, December 15 for a charge determination and preliminary briefing.
