Emily Nicole Thompson's family raised an alarm at the weekend when she failed to come home.
Aaron Danielmitchelson Huckel, 19, has been charged with her murder after a body was found in bushland near Nambour, north of Brisbane, on Sunday.
The pair, who police say had been in a relationship that recently ended, met at a car park in Strathpine on Saturday afternoon.
The 18-year-old did not return to her Petrie home, prompting her family to contact police, who tracked the man to a service station in Nambour a few hours later.
"There was no history (of domestic violence) there, but it doesn't matter, it's unacceptable," Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll told reporters on Monday.
"Ultimately, a young person lost their life at the hands of another."
Ms Carroll said she wanted to extend her heartfelt condolences to the woman's family, who had suffered "an absolute tragedy".
"I have an 18 year-old-daughter ... I just cannot imagine what they are going through," she said.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said any loss of life was devastating and the incident highlighted the importance of contacting authorities if people were concerned about the safety of loved ones.
Huckel's case was mentioned in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.
He did not appear in court and was remanded in custody ahead of a further mention at Pine River Magistrates Court on October 31.
Detectives are examining a white Ford Mustang and blue Mazda sedan as part of their investigations and have appealed for public information.
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