This article contains references to domestic violence.
The man accused of murdering his 19-year-old partner after her body was discovered in a bathtub full of chemicals in western Sydney may apply for bail soon, his lawyer said.
Meraj Zafar, 20, turned himself in at Bankstown police station on Monday afternoon following a public appeal for information.
Detectives and his lawyer Mohamad Sakr have confirmed Mr Zafar was in a relationship with Arnima Hayat before she was found dead in the North Parramatta unit block.
After forcing their way into the home, police found the woman's body in the bathroom with hazardous chemicals causing them to retreat from the scene.
Specialist HAZMAT officers from Fire and Rescue NSW spent several hours at the apartment, where biohazard bags could be seen on Monday afternoon.
The 20-year-old did not appear in person or via AVL at his first mention in Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday before magistrate Shane McAnulty.
NSW Police officers at the scene where a woman was found dead inside an apartment at North Parramatta, Sydney, 31 January, 2022. Source: AAP
Mr Zafar allegedly murdered Ms Hayat between Saturday and Sunday at North Parramatta, according to court documents.
His lawyer Mr Sakr told the magistrate there would be no application for bail on Tuesday but perhaps "in due course".
This could be as early as 5 April when Mr Zafar's matter is next before a court where a brief of evidence is expected to be served.
Outside Bankstown court, Mr Sakr would provide no further comments as to the nature of the couple's relationship, or whether he was being supported by family.
"He's distraught about being in custody, it's just a matter of whether he wishes to fight these charges or not, but I will take those instructions and advise accordingly," Mr Sakr told reporters.
Police Superintendent Julie Boon said police who were checking on her welfare found "a very confronting scene" in the bathroom.
"It was an absolutely awful scene," she told 2GB on Tuesday.
A truck was found shortly after Mr Zafar's arrest nearby in Greenacre and was seized for forensic examination.
Police told AAP on Tuesday the type of chemicals found at the scene were still being analysed and yet to be determined.
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