A talented young pharmacist is being mourned by colleagues, as his alleged murderer faced court while agitated and angry.
Emergency services were called to an apartment building at Bellfield, in Melbourne's northeast, about 11.30am on Wednesday.
The body of a 29-year-old man was found at the scene.
The victim has been identified as Kum Chuan 'KC' Leong by his workplace, Eastern Health, where he worked in the pharmacy team.
Mr Leong's friends and colleagues expressed shock over his death, with health district chief executive David Plunkett describing him as "warm and generous".
"KC was recognised as a talented leader and was also a mentor for many of our emerging pharmacists," Mr Plunkett said in a statement.
"He will be remembered for his passion, kindness and dedication to his team and the broader community.
"This tragedy will be felt by many."
Mr Leong completed his Masters in Clinical Pharmacy in July and had been a resident pharmacist at Eastern Health since 2021, his LinkedIn profile stated.
Simon Hunter, of no fixed address, was arrested near the scene and charged with Mr Leong's murder.
The 54-year-old initially appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court via a video link peering through the window in his cell door at Heidelberg Police Station on Thursday.
The hearing was stood down after Magistrate Tara Hartnett ordered Hunter be taken to an appropriate room or the court itself.
Shirtless and in a pair of dark shorts, Hunter was eventually beamed into the court from a police interview room, where he flew into fits of rage during the hearing, spouting incoherent ramblings and pacing.
The accused murderer was suffering back pain and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, the court was told.
His lawyer said he had not taken his medication in two weeks.
The magistrate ordered Hunter to have his hands and fingers swabbed for DNA evidence.
Mr Leong's family flew into Melbourne from Malaysia on Thursday, but did not attend the court hearing.
Hunter will next face court in January.
