Rappel, 40, is accused of killing his ex-partner Tara Costigan, 28, one day after she sought a domestic violence order against him.

He has now been behind bars for more than two weeks, and his case returned to the ACT Magistrates Court for a second time on Tuesday.

Rappel was represented by Legal Aid on his first appearance earlier this month, but his new lawyer Ben Aulich appeared for him on Tuesday.

Mr Aulich told the court he was seeking to brief a psychiatrist in relation to the case, but needed the brief of evidence from the prosecution first.

Prosecutor Shane Drumgold said he would try to get the brief to the defence by the next court date or, if it was not ready, would talk sensibly about where it is at.

Rappel did not appear in court on Tuesday, and was excused from appearing in April as well.

Friends and family of Ms Costigan were present in court.

Ms Costigan's death left three children motherless, including two young boys and a baby born just one week before her death.

The matter will return on 21 April.