Liam Slann faces Adelaide Magistrates Court accused of murdering William Holdback at Welland

The mother of William Holdback has made an emotional address to the media after her son’s accused murderer faced court for the first time.

William Holdback’s alleged murderer has been remanded in custody – after an unusual courtroom exchange.

Liam Slann, 26, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court – which was filled with members of Mr Holdback’s family – by video link on Monday.

He did not speak, nor visibly react, as his lawyer said there would be no application for bail.

Mr Slann was remanded in custody to face court again in October after an interjection from a mental health worker.

The worker, who is stationed permanently at the court, said Mr Slann’s counsel should be asking for “a 269 report”.

That is a reference to the section of South Australian law that deals with a person’s competence to face trial if they have a mental illness or cognitive disability.

The magistrate replied any such request must be made by defence counsel, and Mr Slann’s lawyer said he would be making no such application.

The woman responded, “well, you should be.”

Liam Slann, 26, faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court charged with one count of murder. Picture: Supplied

Outside court, Mr Holdback’s mother Kylee Butterick expressed her gratitude to all those who had supported her and her family.

“We are just so devastated that we’ve lost the most beautiful boy, William … we’re just so sad … everyone is so sad,” she said.

“I would really like to thank SA Police for being so quick and also all you media for being so respectful to me, thank you.

“We have been advised not to comment because the other perpetrator is still not caught – well, not caught yet.

When that happens, we won’t be happy but we will be a little bit more satisfied.”

Kylee Butterick – the mother of William Holdback – speaks to media outside the Adelaide Magistrates Court. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dean Martin

Mr Slann was arrested late on Saturday and charged with murder over the death of Mr Holdback, 21, at Welland in the early hours of Wednesday, April 10.

Prior to his death, police said Mr Holdback had attended several residences in the area asking for help identifying a man who, he claimed, had threatened him weeks earlier.

SA Police have alleged he subsequently met with two occupants of a BMW sedan in Musgrave St.

Security camera footage allegedly captured the moments surrounding the alleged murder. Picture: 7NEWS

They have further alleged a brief argument occurred and Mr Holdback fled into Barrpowell St where he was fatally stabbed by the passenger of the vehicle.

CCTV footage allegedly captured the incident, showing Mr Holdback running down a road before tripping and falling.

Voices recorded on the footage are heard to say “get him ****, he can’t run that fast,” and “I’m going to stab you”, with Mr Holdback responding “help, help”.

Alleged murder victim William Holdback, 21, from Flinders Park. Picture: SA Police

Alleged murder victim William Holdback, was captured on a security camera on a street in Welland the day before his death. Picture: 7NEWS

At the time of Mr Slann’s arrest, police also seized a BMW sedan – its owner is the subject of ongoing investigations.

On Monday, prosecutors said those inquiries necessitated an adjournment until October.

They said police were also continuing to investigate CCTV footage and DNA samples on items located as part of the investigation.

Mr Slann was remanded in custody.