Laa Chol's accused murderer faces court

A 17-year-old boy has briefly faced court accused of murdering a young woman during an out-of-control weekend party in Melbourne.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, held his head in his hands at times during the brief filing hearing today, when he was supported by his mother and brothers.

Laa Chol, 19, died after she was allegedly stabbed at a party she attended on the 56th floor of the EQ Tower on A'Beckett Street in Melbourne about 5.15am on Saturday.

Police believe her death occurred amid a dispute involving two groups of party-goers, including one that hired the short-term stay unit and another that arrived later.

The Sunshine North boy was charged yesterday with one count of murder after a three-day manhunt.

The children's court was told that prosecutors required a "lengthy period" to prepare a brief of evidence in the case, including 50 hours of CCTV footage, statements from a large number of witnesses, and downloaded data from mobile phones.

Ms Chol has been remembered by friends on social media as a "beautiful soul" who "didn't deserve any of this".

Yesterday, Commander Stuart Bateson told 3AW Ms Chol's death had nothing to do with Sudanese gang violence.

The teenager was remanded in custody until the case returns to court on August 14.

A magistrate told the boy he didn't need to attend that hearing.

However, he will be required to attend a committal mention at the court on November 13.

With AAP