Troy James, charged with murder of Mount Gambier woman Rachel Moresi may stay behind bars on remand until December

A Mount Gambier man charged with the murder of a beloved mother has been remanded into custody, with his next appearance nearly a year away.

A Mount Gambier man charged with the murder of a woman believed to be his former partner could remain behind bars on remand until the end of the year.

Troy Earle James, 53, did not apply for bail when he faced the Mount Gambier Magistrates Court on Monday over the death of local woman Rachel Moresi.

The 55-year-old mum was found dead in her Pick Ave unit just after 1pm on Wednesday by her carer before emergency services were called.

Police launched an investigation into the woman’s death and arrested Mr James in Portland, Victoria, the following day.

Mr James is now officially charged with Ms Moresi’s murder.

Troy Earle James, the Mount Gambier man accused of murdering 55-year-old Rachel Moresi, in custody. Picture: 7 NEWS

He appeared before the Warrnambool Magistrates Court for an extradition hearing last Friday before he was ordered back to South Australia.

Court documents obtained by The Advertiser allege Mr James murdered Ms Moresi on February 5 – last Wednesday.

Police said Mr James and Ms Moresi were known to each other while friends of Ms Moresi told The Advertiser the 53-year-old was an ex-partner of the Mount Gambier mum and had treated her “badly” during their relationship.

Close friend Justine said she briefly heard voices next door on Tuesday night but believed “everything was all right” because she didn’t hear a code word she and Ms Moresi had created to signal trouble.

Ms Moresi has been remembered as a caring woman who had “a real zest for life”.

Mr James is expected to return to court in December.

Originally published as Troy James, charged with murder of Mount Gambier woman Rachel Moresi may stay behind bars on remand until December