Man faces court over alleged murder of mother-of-four
A 38-year-old man accused of murdering a mother-of-four at a secluded property in rural Tasmania has briefly appeared in court.
James Austin was charged after Jacqui Purton died at Campania, north of Hobart, about 3.30am on Monday.
Police allege Ms Purton suffered serious injuries after being struck by a car at the property.
Austin, who police allege was known to Ms Purton, did not enter a plea to one count of murder when he appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
He was remanded in custody and is set to next appear in court on March 27.
Ms Purton's father, Scott Purton, expressed his grief via a post on social media, saying his daughter will always be loved.
"My heart and my family's hearts have been ripped apart," he wrote.
"To my grandkids, words cannot express how your mum loved U (sic) all."
An online fundraising page to support Ms Purton's family had raised more than $5000 on Wednesday.
Investigators combed the property for several hours on Monday.
