The family of a missing Melbourne man has faced his accused murderer in court.

Harvey Spence, 28, of no fixed address, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with murdering Nhan Ngoc Doan.

Mr Doan, 35, from St Albans, disappeared in suspicious circumstances last month.

Police allege he was murdered by Spence at a property at Johnsonville in the state's east on January 6.

His body has not been found.

Members of his family attended Thursday's hearing and sat expressionless as the accused killer walked into the courtroom.

Spence's lawyer Jessica Clarebrough said her client suffered ADHD and bipolar disorder and required medication in custody.

She said Spence had suffered a brain injury after being hit by a tram last year.

Magistrate Luisa Bazzani remanded him in custody to reappear for a committal mention on June 13.