Police are yet to determine how a father died during a late-night dog walk, as his accused murderer appeared in court.
Bailey Clifford, 18, faced Geelong Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon, after being charged with murdering Paul Grapsas, 40.
The father of two left his home on Western Beach Road in Geelong about 11pm on Thursday to walk his dog.
But he did not return home, with his wife finding him dead next to his car on nearby Malone Street about 4am on Friday.
Clifford, from Belmont, was arrested in Ocean Grove on Tuesday and charged after he was interviewed by police.
A prosecutor told the court Mr Grapsas' cause of death was not yet known, as police were awaiting a pathology report.
He said police were also combing through 500 hours of CCTV footage, biological testing for 20 to 50 exhibits and needed time to review and download information from multiple mobile phones.
The prosecutor asked for 14 weeks to gather evidence before it was handed over to Clifford's lawyer.
Defence lawyer Stephanie Mawby did not make an application for bail, acknowledged the charge was "very serious" and said it was not her client's first time in custody.
Magistrate Ann McGarvie agreed to allow the prosecution until December 27 to prepare their evidence, and remanded Clifford in custody until his next court date.
"This is the most serious charge that can be faced by anyone in the community," she said.
"I think that Victoria Police should be given that time."
Clifford will next face court on January 30, 2024, for a committal mention.
