The sister of a woman who was this week found dead in a Melbourne laneway has revealed she was an aspiring dental nurse who was "always there for everybody", after her boyfriend faced court charged with murder.

Key points: The court heard Christopher Allen Bell was released from a mental health facility a week ago

The court heard Christopher Allen Bell was released from a mental health facility a week ago The victim's family said Natalina Angok had been in a relationship with Mr Bell

The victim's family said Natalina Angok had been in a relationship with Mr Bell Mr Bell's lawyer said his client had not been taking prescribed schizophrenia medication for some time

Helina Angok said her sister Natalina Angok, 32, had been in a relationship with her accused murderer for about 18 months.

Christopher Allen Bell, 32, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The court was told he was a "diagnosed schizophrenic" who had not been taking prescribed medication.

He had been released from a mental health facility one week ago, after spending a week there, the court heard.

Ms Angok said the family had fled wartorn Sudan for a refugee camp in Kenya before coming to Australia in 2000.

"What has happened to her, she didn't deserve that at all," Ms Angok said.

"Being found in the street, it's so sad.

"She was like a mother to me and my younger brother, because my mum passed away."

Natalina Angok had dreamed of becoming a dental nurse, according to her sister. ( Facebook )

Ms Angok described her sister as outgoing with a good sense of humour.

"She was a loving sister, caring, always there for everybody and she cared about people a lot."

The victim had dreamed of returning to complete her studies to be a dental nurse but had recently been working in a warehouse, Ms Angok said.

Christopher Bell was remanded in custody after appearing in court. ( ABC News )

Through Victoria Police, the Angok family said in a statement they were "heartbroken" by the loss and requested the media stop contacting family.

"Our family is finding the strength to come to terms with this tragedy and the loss of Natalina Angok," the statement said.

"We would like the media to respect our privacy and cease further contact with family members. And allow us to grieve peacefully."

In court, Mr Bell's lawyer, Steve Pica, said his client had been prescribed the antipsychotic medication Seroquel, but said Mr Bell had not been taking the medication for some time.

Mr Bell was charged on Wednesday after the discovery of Ms Angok's body by a passer-by about 6:30am at the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Celestial Avenue in Melbourne's CBD.