The former de facto partner of Kirra-Lea McLoughlin has appeared in court charged with her murder, eight years after she died from severe brain injuries.
The mother of four had more than 100 bruises on her body after an assault at her residence at Wolvi near Gympie on July 17, 2014.
There had been a gathering at Ms McLoughlin's rural home two days before her death.
Paramedics were called to the property the following afternoon and found her unresponsive.
She was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital but never regained consciousness and died the next day.
A coronial inquest found she was most likely a victim of domestic abuse, leading detectives to review the case.
Detective Acting Superintendent Ben Fadian said it had been a protracted and challenging investigation.
"These investigations take time, however, the Queensland Police Service is determined to find out the truth of these matters and to seek justice for Kirra-Lea," he said.
Former partner Paul Alan McDonald, 40, was arrested in Brisbane on Wednesday and charged with one count of murder.
McDonald was remanded in custody for mention on August 8.
