The legal representative of 20-year-old Jamie Cust, of Wollombi Road, appeared on his behalf at Muswellbrook Local Court on Wednesday.

It is alleged a 41-year-old man, believed to be an employee at JBS Australia in Scone, was killed at a Parker Street premises in the early hours of Tuesday.

Hunter Valley Police District stated Cust attended the Muswellbrook Police Station at 6.30am on December 18.

He was placed under arrest before eventually receiving the charge, but he has been assisting with the investigation.

At the Muswellbrook Courthouse on Wednesday, the case was adjourned until February 18, 2019.

Cust will remain in detention during that time after not submitting an application for bail.

A forensic procedural application will also come across the court on that date.

Police are yet to release details on the incident itself, but it is believed there was a weapon involved after the victim suffered several traumatic injuries.

Cust, himself, was conveyed to John Hunter Hospital with several lacerations to his fingers.

Hunter Valley Police District Acting Superintendent Joanne Schultz said officers were still investigating the details of the murder, but the two men were known to each other.

Police established a crime scene and an investigation was initiated by Upper Hunter detectives.

Acting Superintendent Schultz revealed she did not believe the incident was bikie-related, and neither men were previously known to police.

Although the prosecution was looking to have the case brought forward for forensic purposes during Wednesday’s proceedings, magistrate Andrew Eckhold was, at this stage, satisfied with the February 18 date.

However, he added if there was a change in the urgency for the test, it could be reassessed after January 7 when the court reopened after the Christmas break.

Cust was represented by the Aboriginal Legal Service.

A report is still being prepared for the Coroner.