A couple charged over the gruesome murder of a young man whose torso was found in Tasmanian bushland at the weekend have faced a court packed with friends and family of the victim.
Jack Harrison Vincent Sadler, 26, did not enter a plea on a charge of murder relating to the death of 24-year-old Jake Daniel Anderson-Brettner at Launceston Magistrate's Court today.
Dressed in black pants and a black T-shirt, Mr Sadler did not speak during the brief court appearance and was remanded in custody to reappear on September 11.
Ms Clark made no application for bail and was ordered to reappear in the Supreme Court of Tasmania on October 15. Both hail from the Launceston suburb of Riverside.
The hearings were attended by more than a dozen of Mr Anderson-Brettner's friends along with Tasmania Police Commander Brett Smith and lead investigator Detective Acting Inspector Craig Fox, according to The Mercury.
Jake Anderson-Brettner and long-term girlfriend Katlyn Roney got engaged in March this year. Photo / Facebook
Mr Anderson-Brettner was last seen in his black Nissan Navara about 6pm on August 15. His ute was found unoccupied in Balmoral Ave in Riverside the following day.
Police took Mr Sadler and Ms Clark into custody on Saturday while they continued to search for Mr Anderson-Brettner but did not lay formal charges until Tuesday.
The victim's torso was found dumped in bushland off the Tasman Highway near Targa, 30km outside Launceston, on Sunday following a massive manhunt.
"A body located near Targa on Sunday has not yet been formally identified but it is believed to be Jake," Mr Fox said following the gruesome discovery.
"The body was not intact and police will continue to extensively search multiple locations across Launceston to provide Jake's family with closure.
"The circumstances of Jake's death are traumatic and our thoughts and condolences are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time."
Murder victim Jake Anderson-Brettner, 24, pictured with a friend. Photo / Facebook
Police have warned more body parts belonging to Mr Anderson-Brettner, including his head, may have been dumped in wheelie bins across Launceston.
Searches are also underway at Launceston Waste Transfer Station on Remount Rd at Mowbray and at several sites along the West Tamar Highway.
Investigators have urged anyone with information or dashcam vision taken in Riverside, West Tamar or Prospect on Wednesday or Thursday last week to come forward.
Tasmania Police Detective Acting Inspector Craig Fox and Commander Brett Smith during a press conference at Launceston. Photo / News Corp Australia
Tasmania Police search the Remount Road tip in Launceston for the remains of 24-year-old Jake Anderson-Brettner and other clues. Photo / News Corp Australia
Mr Anderson-Brettner's cause of death has yet to be officially revealed but the ABC reported he was shot and that police recovered a firearm and an electric saw.
Mr Anderson-Brettner engaged to local hairdresser Katlyn Roney, who had posted a series of emotional Facebook appeals pleading for his safe return.
Ms Roney and Mr Anderson-Brettner's family have been flooded with messages of support from across Tasmania while those who knew the victim have posted tributes to the popular young man on social media.
Jake Anderson-Brettner, 24 with fiancee Katlyn Rony at their engagement party in March this year. Photo / Facebook
"You Sir, was one of a kind (sic)," wrote Mr Anderson-Brettner's friend Gemma Hewson.
"My heart is hurting and I'm so sorry this has happened to you pal. You have left a massive hole in all our lives but we are forever grateful we got to be apart of yours. See you soon my friend."
Another close friend who was also believed to be a former colleague, wrote: "The last few days have been so traumatic and horrendous that I almost lost touch with reality and I have been so consumed by the media and the details that I nearly forgot what an absolute pleasure it was to have known you!
"Jake Brettner you mate are a one of a kind! In life you always came in hot and you were the life of the party! Also you suffered as much as I did the next day and mate did we have a good run, I have so many memories and most I could never even talk about and I just realised that I need to try and celebrate your life!
"I'm not saying it will be as easy as that but maaaaaate you have given me more memories and great times and of course times that could never be relived even if I tried! I will celebrate your memory the way I know you would approve of and when I see you next you will be so proud of me … until then I Love You endlessly you big d**k bag! (sic)."
