Washington [US], September 19: The supporters of a young woman allegedly killed by her former partner say they are "devastated" after the 21-year-old man pleaded not guilty to her murder.
Dozens of family and friends of Hannah McGuire filled a court room on Thursday morning, all donning the same T-shirt with a photo of her the 23-year-old woman's face.
"She matters - remembering Hannah McGuire," the T-shirts read.
Ms McGuire's body was found in a burnt-out car in Scarsdale, about 25km south of Ballarat, on April 5.
Lachlan Young faced Ballarat Magistrates Court by video link from prison on Thursday, with a mullet and wearing a T-shirt, where he pleaded not guilty to his ex-girlfriend's murder.
Magistrate Michelle Mykytowycz informed the court Young had chosen to fast-track his case to the Supreme Court, meaning he will not face a committal hearing in the lower court.
"Mr Young has elected to stand trial," she told the court.
"The effect of this is that his matter will now be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court.
"It is important to remember that the election of the accused to stand trial is a different process to the accused being committed."
Young's lawyer, Crystal Caruana, said her client had been spoken to by instructing solicitors and counsel, and had "a strong understanding" of the implications of standing trial.
Ms Mykytowycz asked Young how he pleaded to the single charge of murder.
"Not guilty," Young responded.
He will face the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on October 3.
Outside court, McGuire family friend Nicole Van Berkel said it was "devastating" to hear Young enter a not guilty plea.
"I just thought, do us all a favour," she told reporters.
"It's a tragic loss, it's senseless."
Ms McGuire's parents, who sat in the front row of the court on Thursday, declined to speak to media.
Within the space of two months this year, Ballarat was rocked by the deaths of Ms McGuire, Samantha Murphy and Rebecca Young all allegedly at the hands of men.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Cooperation
