The lawyer for a 28-year-old man charged over the suspicious death of Gold Coast woman Ivona Jovanovic in 2019 says his client has been taken "by surprise".
Ms Jovanovic died from a single gunshot wound to the stomach.
Her ex-boyfriend Christos Panagakos appeared briefly in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon charged with manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Detectives launched a 16-month investigation following Ms Jovanovic's killing.
After being discovered at her home with the gunshot wound in September 2019, she was taken to Gold Coast University Hospital but died of her injuries.
Outside court on Thursday, defence lawyer Michael Gatenby said the charges had taken Mr Panagakos "somewhat by surprise".
"We've known for quite some time now that this matter has been investigated by police — it has been very, very clear," he said.
"A number of his associates and friends have been spoken to and family members so he knew that this was a matter."
Mr Gatenby said it was not clear exactly what police were alleging his client had done.
"That's disappointing for the family, who want closure, and it's disappointing for my client."
Mr Gatenby said his client would be contesting the charges.
"He denies any criminal responsibility for the unfortunate passing."
The court heard Mr Panagakos would apply for bail at a later date.
Investigation has been 'a journey'
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said the investigation had been complicated.
"It has been a journey unfolding the exact circumstances," he said.
"It has been a long, painstaking investigation. Any investigation into the death of a young woman like this is tragic."
Inspector Ahearn said the arrest of Mr Panagakos would comfort Ms Jovanovic's family.
"Whilst [the arrest] won't bring Ivona back, it certainly will provide the family with some comfort that we have achieved this arrest now, and that this is now the next step in the justice process," he said.
Knew each other since high school
Inspector Ahearn said police did not believe Ms Jovanovic was killed intentionally.
"The investigation revealed that we don't believe there was an intent in the killing of Ivona, so that's the reason why that particular charge was preferred in this instance," he said.
He said Mr Panagakos and Ms Jovanovic had known each other since high school, but were not in a romantic relationship at the time of her death.
"We think that there might have been a relationship some time back," he said.
Weapon not recovered
Detective Inspector Ahearn said police have not yet found the gun that killed Ms Jovanovic.
They believe it was removed from the scene on the night of the shooting.
"We know it's a handgun, but we have no other description of it," he said.
"We just hope that there are people out there in the community … who might have some information of the whereabouts of this weapon.
"We are always concerned about any illegal firearms being in the community."
Anyone who knows the whereabouts or has information about the weapon is urged to contact CrimeStoppers or PoliceLink.
Mr Panagakos is due to appear in court again next month.
