Murder victim Renea Lau, 32, had worked at a chocolate shop in the Melbourne ... - Herald Sun

Murder victim Renea Lau, 32, had worked at a chocolate shop in the Melbourne CBD since 2012. Source: Supplied

HOMELESS man Scott Allen Miller, 42, has appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder and rape of Renea Lau while she was on her way to work.

Ms Lau, a 32-year-old from Hong Kong who is formally known as Yuk Ling Lau, was allegedly brutally murdered and raped in Kings Domain on Saturday morning.

Mr Miller, a Californian-born man who has been living on Melbourne’s streets for at least two months, stared straight ahead as he was formally remanded in custody to reappear on October 24.

He has been charged with one count of murder and two counts of rape.

Dressed in a green long-sleeved T-shirt, he looked bewildered during the short hearing and yawned several times.

Legal aid lawyer Sarah Pratt said Mr Miller had been diagnosed with drug-induced psychosis and was suffering a mouth infection.

“It’s his first time in custody,” Ms Pratt said.

A police application to retain a forensic sample was granted.

Murder accused Scott Allen Miller. Source: Supplied

Friends yesterday described Ms Lau as a “beautiful lovely person” who would be sorely missed.

Family members are now on their way to Melbourne to identify her body.

Mr Miller was extradited back to Melbourne from Batemans Bay late yesterday afternoon.

He looked down throughout the brief hearing at Batemans Bay courthouse yesterday, with magistrate Doug Dick granting a warrant by Victorian detectives.

A makeshift shrine has appeared in Kings Domain near where Ms Lau died. It has drawn people who did not know the dead woman but were deeply affected by her plight.

Victim Renea Lau (pink top) pictured with friends. Source: Supplied

Renew Lau (left) pictured with friends. Source: Supplied

A cyclist on her way to work left a card that read: “We are so sorry for the sadness and loss that your family is experiencing. Our city grieves with you and for you. I’m so sorry.”

The woman, who also did not know the victim, said it was time Melbourne united and stood up to the violence plaguing the city.

“I think the message that’s coming to us is we’re not safe on the way to work, on the way home from work, out cycling or going for a run,” she said.

“It’s time as women, and men, we stand up and say no to this violence.”

Another woman touched by the death wiped away tears as she left a note addressed to the victim.

“Dear unknown girl,” she wrote. “I’m sorry you had to lose your life in an unknown country at the hands of an evil mad man.

“I hope you managed to have some fun in your young life and lots of love.

“Although I didn’t know you, I will think of you everyday as I pass this spot.”

People lay flowers at the scene of the murder in Kings Domain. Picture: Ellen Smith Source: News Corp Australia

Flowers lay where Renea’s body was found. Picture: Kylie Else Source: News Corp Australia

Bright daffodils lay among the flowers left to mark Renea’s tragic death. Picture: Kylie Else Source: News Corp Australia

Ms Lau’s employer at a city chocolate shop said she had worked there since May 2012.

“She worked in our kitchen as a valued member of our pastry team. She will be terribly missed here.

“She was a wonderful person and a beautiful friend and colleague.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends and all our thoughts are with them.

He added: “She was a beautiful, lovely person and will be sorely missed.”

A friend who was laying flowers near the crime scene in Kings Domain told the Herald Sun: “I really liked her smile. She had a beautiful smile. I will never forget it.”

The friend, who did not want to be named, attended the same church as Ms Lau.

Sergeant Scott Blanch is pictured where alleged murderer Scott Miller was found in Eden on the NSW south coast. Picture: Ian Currie Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Miller was nabbed at 3.30pm on Monday while he was sleeping on rocks in an idyllic coastal town more than 500km away from Melbourne.

He was spotted by off-duty police officers at Snug Cove, Eden, in southern NSW.

Detective Inspector John Potter said the attack on Miss Lau was particularly violent.

She was assaulted sexual and physically, he said.

Insp Potter said some of the woman’s family had been contacted in China and that they were to fly to Melbourne to formally identify her.

Insp Potter urged women not to walk alone, especially in the dark, and to travel by public transport or taxi where possible.

Originally published as ‘Accused in drug-induced psychosis’