A man accused of murdering a central Victorian mother has been named in court.
James Pualic, 44, appeared before the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, keeping his eyes down as he appeared remotely on a video link.
The Junortoun man wore a light green jumper and blue track pants as he was beamed into the courtroom from a holding cell.
Mr Pualic is accused of murdering Analyn “Logee” Osias, 46, who was found critically injured in her Kangaroo Flat home, near Bendigo, about 11.50pm on Sunday.
Two primary school-aged children were present in the home as emergency services rushed through the door.
Despite efforts from paramedics, Ms Osias died in hospital a “short time later”.
Police will allege Mr Pualic was arrested about five hours later as police pulled him from a nearby reservoir.
He was charged after a bedside interview at hospital.
Ms Osias, affectionately known as Logee, was a member of Bendigo’s Filipino community and was described as a devoted mother to her four children.
Earlier this week, St Monica’s Catholic primary school, where two of her young children were students, said the community had been “deeply shocked and saddened” by the tragic news.
“We extend our prayerful sympathy and support to all of Logee’s family and friends,” its principal, Fiona Dearne, said.
“We will do everything we can to support (her children) and all who loved Logee during this difficult time.”
Her death leaves her two youngest children orphaned after her partner, Timothy Dorrough, was struck and killed by a car in May 2020.
Mr Pualic did not apply for bail and was remanded into custody by magistrate Trieu Huynh ahead of his next court appearance in March.