The loved ones of a woman who was allegedly strangled by her former partner and left for dead on the Gold Coast have paid tribute to the "dearest and most beautiful" mother, after announcing she had "peacefully" died in hospital.
Mary Benedito, 25, was found unresponsive in a Southport apartment on Saturday afternoon after suffering life-threatening injuries, and was placed into intensive care.
Police tracked down and charged her former partner Reo Te Whetu Marama Marsh over the alleged attack, several hours after he took off with their 11-month-old son.
The boy, who was the subject of an amber alert, was taken to a Logan police station by two women who were known to Mr Marsh shortly before his arrest.
The 34-year-old appeared in court on Monday facing one count of grievous bodily harm and one of strangulation.
He was remanded in custody after his lawyer did not make an application for bail on his behalf.
Police upgraded his charges to murder on Tuesday, and he is expected to appear in Richlands Magistrates Court.
On Tuesday, family and friends took to social media to honour Ms Benedito, posting that "her smile, energy and love will be missed so much".
Mary Nganu posted that her family had "gained another guardian angel" after their "dearest and most beautiful Mama" had passed.
"May our beautiful sister now rest peacefully," the post said.
One friend, Jordan Dewar said she would be "missed by many, but forgotten by none".
"Mary you have truly been taken from this earth too early," the post said.
"You lived so carefree, you were kind to all … You had the ability to light up those around you."
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