A young chef had been boiling his girlfriend's dismembered body parts in his Brisbane apartment when he was discovered by police on Saturday night.

Marcus Peter Volke, 28, fled his ground-floor apartment on foot through a window when police showed up about 9pm to investigate a putrid smell that had been reported by the manager of the new high-end apartment complex.

Volke cut his own throat while fleeing the officers, who later found his body in a wheelie bin in a nearby street, in the suburb of Teneriffe.

Police reportedly found a body part, believed to belong to Volke's 28-year-old girlfriend Mayang, boiling in a pot in chemicals on a stove.

Family and friends have paid tribute to Mayang following her brutal murder. (9NEWS) (9NEWS)

Marcus Peter Volke had been boiling his girlfriend's dismembered body parts. (Facebook) (Facebook)

Other body parts reportedly from the alleged murder victim were found in garbage bags inside the apartment.

Mr Volke's aunt told 9NEWS the couple had moved from Victoria just a few weeks ago.

"Couldn't believe this has happened. We didn't believe it when we first heard it," Dianne Volke said.

Mr Volke and Mayang, originally from Indonesia, met while working on a cruise ship.

Mayang's family in Indonesia are said to be devastated by her death.

Friends of the murdered woman posted tributes on the 28-year-old's Facebook page.

Forensic investigators are working to establish what happened. (9NEWS)

Human remains and a body were discovered in Teneriffe. (9NEWS)

Police are investigating the scene where the man's body was found. (9NEWS)

Forensic officers have been examining both the apartment and the area where the man's body was discovered.

While trying to dispose of his girlfriend's body Mr Volke called out an electrician because the oven failed, the tradesman noted how the carpet squelched.

Residents of the newly-opened DoubleOne3 apartment building on Commercial Road said it was the smell that led to them notifying police.

"It just got stronger and stronger," said one resident.

"Just the smell since Thursday," said another.

Yesterday forensic officers spent time in Mr Volke's apartment.

An RSPCA worker removed several pug dogs, believed to be owned by the dead couple.

Detective Inspector Tom Armitt pleaded with the public to assist with their investigation.

"Any persons who were at the units or around the area that noticed anything suspicious, please contact police," he said.