A Toronto man accused in the death of a foreign-exchange student appeared in court via videolink Tuesday morning, as the case that has received international attention was remanded for several weeks.
Brian Dickson wore an orange jumpsuit and had disheveled hair during his video appearance from the Maplehurst Correctional Facility, where he has been held since his arrest earlier this month. The case will return to court on May 24.
Dickson, 29, is charged with the first-degree murder of York University student Qian Liu from Beijing, China.
Liu's semi-dressed body was found in her basement apartment by police two weeks ago.
The grisly discovery came hours after her boyfriend saw a man enter her room during an early morning webcam conversation.
Dickson lived on the first floor of Liu's residence.
Liu's parents attended court on Tuesday, accompanied by officials from the Chinese consulate.
Dickson's lawyer, Steven Krys, told reporters outside the courthouse that his client was doing well under the circumstances.
He added that Dickson would be pleading not guilty, and asked the public not jump to conclusions.
"I ask the media and the public to respect the fact that he is innocent until proven guilty and he will be pleading not guilty once he enters a plea in court," Krys said Tuesday.
A funeral for Liu will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Jerrett Funeral Home on Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue. A visitation will be held between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
