A Toowoomba couple charged with murder over the death of an eight-year-old girl has been remanded in custody after representing themselves in court.
The 50-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman from Rangeville were charged on Monday with offences including murder, torture and failing to provide necessities of life.
They were both known to the child.
Police were on Saturday called to their Rangeville home, where the girl was found dead.
The pair appeared via video link and represented themselves in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
Magistrate Kay Philipson urged the pair to seek legal representation due to the "extremely serious" charges, but they declined.
Magistrate Philipson said the matter was likely to be drawn out as a result.
Police have been given 10 weeks to prepare a brief of evidence.
The matter will return to court on March 24.
Community shocked
Toowoomba MP and Deputy Opposition Leader David Janetzki said the death had shocked locals.
"It's one of the most devastating stories that we've heard … in our local street, this is a house that my wife and I walk past regularly on our daily walk."
He also praised the emergency crews who had attended the scene.
"All our love and best wishes go to the first responders who had to respond to this tragic scene," he said.
