Juliana Herrera died in January after a man allegedly entered her Christchurch home and attacked her. Photo / Supplied
The man charged with murdering Colombian woman Juliana Herrera in her Christchurch home has appeared in court again today - but his name still remains secret.
The 35-year-old denies murdering Herrera and will stand trial in 2023.
He was granted name suppression at his first appearance and that court order will continue for now.
The man appeared briefly by audio visual link before Justice Cameron Mander in the High Court at Christchurch this morning.
They said Herrera left Colombia a decade ago and was looking for a safer, calmer life.
Her home city was rife with assaults, robberies, violent crime and she wanted a future free from danger.
She chose Christchurch and, for 10 years her dream came true - she was happy, secure, not scared or worried about her environment.
"Juliana was a woman with a great heart - always looking after her mum and very proud to be an aunty," said her sister Saray Bonilla.
"It didn't matter how her mood was, she always gave people a big smile.
"Juliana was a gentle, considerate and kind person. She could seem introverted and reserved, but once you got to know her, you realised she was very cheerful and kind-hearted.
"She was always willing to help. Her love filled our hearts."