A 20-year-old man accused of murdering a mother-of-two in a random attack at a shopping centre in Adelaide's south last year has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Michelle Foster was killed outside the BankSA branch at Colonnades Shopping Centre in Noarlunga Centre on October 25 last year.
Jayden Tanee Lowah appeared by video link in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning from the secure psychiatric facility James Nash House.
He pleaded not guilty to murder.
He was remanded in custody to appear in the Supreme Court in August at which time a trial date will be set.
Ms Foster, 36, of Ethelton, died at the scene from serious head injuries despite paramedics and police providing first aid.
Mr Lowah was arrested at the same location.
Police at the time said there was no known link between the suspect and the victim, who had two daughters.
Mother's anguish
Outside court, Ms Foster's mother Andrea, said the trial would cause further suffering for her family.
"Every time we come here it's going to be hard — your stomach rolls up, you're heartbroken and you just want to cry," she said.
"This process will keep going — I wish it was shorter but it's not.
"I'm going to be here every day and every step of the way. I'm here for her and that's the most important thing.
"My daughter was the most loving, caring person — she would help anybody."
Vigil held after Ms Foster's death
Hundreds of people gathered at a candlelit vigil at the shopping centre a week later to pay their respects.
The crowd left sunflowers — Ms Foster's favourite flower — in tribute.
Vigil organiser Melanie Cunningham-Clark shared a statement on behalf of the victim's family.
"She loved spending quality time with her children and was an exceptionally loving mother," Ms Cunningham-Clark said.
"She was well-known and loved within her community… she was beautiful inside and out, and humble and kind and this is what we have lost."
Ms Foster and Mr Lowah's identities were initially suppressed while witnesses were interviewed, but the ordered expired in November.
