Man Charged with Murder of Partner in Melbourne Apartment

A 31-year-old man has been charged with the murder of his 21-year-old partner, Jayda Allen Bonner, who was discovered deceased in an apartment in Melbourne's inner-city Carlton.

Liban Ali surrendered to police on Tuesday morning, four days after Ms. Allen Bonner was found in the Cardigan Street complex just before 2 a.m. on Saturday. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday night.

During the brief court hearing, Ali, who is accused of killing the Yuggera woman, did not speak. Police requested an extended period to compile the brief of evidence, citing the need to analyze months of CCTV footage and allegations of protracted violence and post-offence conduct. Detective Darren Bolitho also noted complexities surrounding the autopsy and blood pattern analysis from the apartment.

Magistrate Malcolm Thomas granted the extended period, acknowledging the common nature of such requests in homicide cases. The court also noted Ali's custody management issues, including past diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.

Ali did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to next appear in court in March.

A 60-year-old man had been arrested shortly after the incident on Saturday but was later released pending further inquiries.

Meanwhile, a memorial of flowers, photos, candles, and notes has been established at the entrance to the apartment complex. A fundraiser has been created to assist with funeral expenses and enable family members to travel from Queensland to attend. Ms. Allen Bonner's family described her as a "caring, loving young woman with a heart of gold." An Indigenous smoking ceremony is planned for Saturday night to honor the Yuggera woman, followed by a march to Parliament House to protest gendered violence.

Support services: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 13YARN 13 92 76