The body of 19-year-old Audrey Griffin was discovered partially submerged in Erina Creek on the NSW Central Coast on the afternoon of March 24.
Police allege she was killed by 53-year-old Adrian Noel Torrens following a physical altercation after 3am on March 23.
Ms Griffin's death was not initially treated as suspicious but further inquiries led to Torrens' arrest for murder.
He spent the night in custody on remand and did not ask to be released when his matter was briefly mentioned in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday.
The 53-year-old will remain behind bars until his matter returns to Gosford Local Court on June 20.
He also faces 11 unrelated domestic violence offences which will return to court in May.
His lawyer Bashir El Kheir told reports that the investigation is still in the very early stages and he was still trying to determine the allegations against his client.
A fundraising page set up to help Ms Griffin's family with funeral costs said the community was heartbroken by the loss of the beautiful teen, who was "the light in many lives".
"There is no doubt she bought (sic) endless laughter and joy to everyone," the fundraiser said.
"She was the kindest soul to walk this earth and will always be in our hearts."
The 19-year-old was remembered as a valuable member of the premiership Terrigal Wamberal Sharks rugby league team with a "larger-than-life personality" and a "happy go lucky nature".
She also played for the Gosford water polo club, which held a minute of silence for the woman who "always brought a smile to those around her".
According to the Australian Femicide Watch, 22 women have been killed by violence so far in 2025.
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