Overview
- A Brisbane Supreme Court jury unanimously found Mark Sheridan Waden guilty of the 2018 murder of Priscilla Brooten after a trial built on indirect evidence.
- The prosecution argued a timeline of events that began with a July 2018 confrontation, an urgent trench dug at the Bracken Ridge property and later removal of more than 800 kg of soil to destroy evidence.
- Crown case relied heavily on mobile phone tower records, unusual text-message activity, an alleged impersonation call to the US Consulate and actions the Crown said showed consciousness of guilt.
- The defence told jurors there is no direct forensic proof linking Waden to a body and put forward explanations including voluntary disappearance or suicide, but the jury rejected those arguments.
- Waden has been remanded ahead of sentencing and the victim’s remains remain unrecovered, leaving family without closure and leaving open the prospect of appeal and further inquiries into the disposal of evidence.