A Brisbane jury has found real estate agent Mark Sheridan Waden guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Priscilla Brooten, who disappeared in 2018. Following a trial that relied on circumstantial evidence, including cell tower pings and the disposal of over 800 kilograms of soil from his property, Waden faces a life sentence with a 20-year non-parole period. The verdict follows the public release of his 2019 police interview, in which he claimed Brooten had left him.
How investigators built the case
The prosecution’s case against Waden was entirely circumstantial, as there were no eyewitnesses, no crime scene, and no body recovered. According to evidence presented at the trial, investigators tracked the movements of both Waden and Brooten using cell tower data and the movements of Brooten’s Volkswagen Golf. Prosecutors argued that Waden sent messages from Brooten’s phone to her former partner, Steve Thompson, to create the illusion that she was still alive and moving the vehicle.
Waden’s actions at his Bracken Ridge home provided further evidence for the jury. In May 2019, following a police visit, Waden hired an excavator and removed more than 800 kilograms of soil from his yard. Records show he disposed of the waste at a tip and was later captured on CCTV washing a wheelie bin at a car wash in Deagon. Prosecutors suggested the Nudgee tip as a potential site for the disposal of Brooten’s remains.
Mark Sheridan Waden referred to himself as “Marky Mark” during his 2019 police interview, in which he initially maintained that Priscilla Brooten had left him due to his discovery of her alleged “hidden secrets” and use of false names.
What happens next in the legal process
Following the jury’s verdict, Waden faces a mandatory life sentence and will be eligible for parole after serving 20 years. Despite the conviction, Waden maintained his innocence from the dock, stating, “It wasn’t me.” His legal team has formally indicated that they are considering an appeal against the conviction.
For the family of Priscilla Brooten, the legal conclusion does not provide full closure. Her daughter, Caitlin Williams, testified during the trial and has expressed that the family cannot find peace until her mother’s remains are located. It remains unclear if further searches or forensic efforts will be initiated to recover the victim’s body.
In cases involving “no-body” murder convictions, the reliance on circumstantial evidence—such as digital footprints, unexplained property excavations, and contradictory statements—places a heavy burden on the prosecution to establish a timeline of death. The shift from a missing person inquiry to a murder conviction often hinges on the defendant’s own inconsistent narratives, which can effectively dismantle a defense strategy built on the victim having simply “left” or “gone missing.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Priscilla Brooten go missing?
Priscilla Brooten disappeared in 2018. Her former partner, Steve Thompson, and her friend, Laetitia Penfold, reported her missing later that same year.
What was the nature of the relationship between Waden and Brooten?
According to court testimony, the couple met through a Zumba class in 2016. The relationship later became strained due to financial issues and Waden’s developing relationship with a colleague, Desiree Hatzipapas.
What evidence did the defense provide?
Waden’s defense team has indicated they are considering an appeal. During the trial, Waden claimed Brooten was secretive, used false names, and was using him to stay in the country, though these claims were central to his narrative of why she allegedly left.
Do you believe that the absence of a physical body should change how the legal system handles murder prosecutions?
