Karen Ristevski was last seen on June 29 2016. Her body was found in February this year.
Karen Ristevski was last seen on June 29 2016. Her body was found in February this year.
Police in the Australian state of Victoria have charged Borce Ristevski with the murder of his wife, New Zealand-born Karen Ristevski.
Mr Ristevski was arrested at 7.20am (9.20am NZT) by detectives from the Missing Persons Squad, a Victoria Police spokesman said.
The 53-year-old appeared before Melbourne Magistrate's Court this morning on one count of murder.
Dressed in a white T-shirt and sporting a thick beard, Mr Ristevski made no application for bail and was remanded in custody and will reappear on April 18.
Lawyer Rob Stary indicated his client would plead not guilty.
Her remains were found wedged between two logs off walking trail at Mount Macedon on February 20.
Police have never released the cause of death.
This morning, Ms Ristevski's cousin Lisa Gray, who is based in Sydney, told news.com.au she had spoken to family members in the wake of Mr Ristevski's arrest.
"I feel like this is another step in finding justice for Karen," Gray said.
"She was a beautiful, kind, loving, caring person, very family oriented and dedicated to her work.
"I still can't quite believe she's gone."
Gray and Ms Ristesvki grew up together and were extremely close. Ms Ristevki's brother Stephen Williams lives in Melbourne.
The family is originally from New Zealand.
In March, hundreds of mourners filled St John's Uniting Church in Essendon for a private funeral service before Ms Ristevski's body was taken to her final resting place.
Mr Ristevski was one of the pallbearers carrying her coffin, while their daughter Sarah, 23, carried a framed photo of her mother to lead the procession.
