A man accused of murdering a woman whose body was found on the street in Melbourne’s Chinatown is a diagnosed schizophrenic who was released from a facility a week ago, a court has heard.

Christopher Bell, 32, was charged with one count of murder on Wednesday night after the body of Natalina Angok, also 32, was found in the middle of Melbourne’s CBD.

Natalina Angok's body was found in Melbourne's Chinatown on Wednesday morning.

Ms Angok's sister Helena told The Age Mr Bell had been in a relationship with Natalina for more than a year.

"They were dating, in a relationship. That was her boyfriend. [They had been dating] for a very long time, I think together for like a year or a year and a half."