Jessie James Tumaliuan, 41, charged with murder after woman’s body found in backyard of Werribee home

A 41-year-old father has appeared in court accused of murder after a woman was found dead in the backyard of her home.

A Melbourne father has appeared in court accused of murder a day after a woman was found dead in the backyard of her home in the city’s western suburbs.

Jessie James Tumaliuan, 41, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning wearing a white T-shirt and flanked by two custody officers.

He sat in the dock calmly and was not required to speak during the brief hearing, seen glancing around the room as he entered.

Mr Tumaliuan has been charged with murdering a woman in Werribee on March 27. Picture: Facebook

The father was arrested in Werribee on Thursday morning after police discovered the body of a 42-year-old woman with several stab wounds.

Magistrate Andrew Halse was told police needed 12 weeks to prepare a brief of evidence against the accused man, requesting an extension on the usual six-week timeframe.

A prosecutor said this was required as they would need time to “obtain a pathologist’s report into cause of death”.

Several family members of the deceased, who live overseas, will be contacted by detectives and may provide statements, the prosecutor said. 

A man has been charged with the murder of a 42-year-old woman in Werribee. Picture: 9News

According to Victoria Police, emergency services rushed to the Retford Close home about 9am on Thursday, where they found the woman.

The identity of the 42-year-old woman was not aired in court, although police will allege they were known to each other.

The alleged incident unfolded opposite a primary school and has since been cordoned off.

Mr Tumaliuan was formally remanded into custody following Friday’s appearance. ahead of his next court date in late July.

The incident unfolded opposite a primary school. Picture: 9News