"It wasn't me," Mark Sheridan Waden declared from the dock after a Supreme Court jury found him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Priscilla Brooten.
Brisbane, Australia — A Supreme Court jury has found Mark Sheridan Waden, 51, guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Priscilla Brooten, a United States citizen who disappeared from her Brisbane home in July 2018. Justice Peter Callaghan sentenced Waden to life imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 20 years. Brooten's body has never been located.
Trial History and Juror Misconduct
The trial proceeded after an initial attempt was aborted on its third day. The first jury was discharged after a juror conducted online research regarding the side effects of medication taken by Brooten and shared the findings with other jurors. Justice Callaghan granted a defense application for discharge, describing the mistrial as "horribly unfair" and costly. The retrial commenced before a new jury, who delivered the verdict after less than one day of deliberation.
The Disappearance and Investigation
Priscilla Brooten, a US citizen who had resided in Australia since 2005, was last seen in July 2018. She met Waden in 2016 while he was teaching Zumba classes. At the time of her disappearance, she had reportedly discovered messages between Waden and a colleague, Desiree Hatzipapas. Waden and Hatzipapas had begun a relationship prior to Brooten's disappearance. Brooten's daughter, Caitlin Williams, reported her mother missing in late 2018.
Prosecution Case and Circumstantial Evidence
The prosecution presented a circumstantial case, alleging Waden killed Brooten after an argument. Key evidence presented during the trial included:
- Property Excavation: The day after Brooten disappeared, Waden inquired about digging a trench on his property. He later hired an excavator and removed over 800 kilograms of soil, which he dumped at a Brisbane tip. After police visited his home in May 2019, Waden hired a self-drive excavator.
- Purchases and Disposal: Waden purchased two tarpaulins and rope from a Bunnings store. He was also seen washing a wheelie bin at a car wash. Messages between Waden and Hatzipapas referenced washing a wheelie bin.
- Phone and Location Data: Phone records showed Waden’s and Brooten’s phones were in similar locations on the day she disappeared. On July 5, 2018, the day prosecutors allege the murder occurred, Waden made a 29-minute call to Brooten and sent a message to Hatzipapas stating, "We could sneak a long kiss as no one is here to see it."
- Brooten’s Belongings: Waden gave Brooten’s belongings to Hatzipapas. Brooten’s car was recovered after Waden sent messages from her phone to her former partner, Steve Thompson.
- Brooten’s Notebook: Police seized a notebook belonging to Brooten containing entries describing physical abuse. One entry stated: "Remember when you beat the shit out of me." Other entries referenced Waden’s alleged marijuana growing and selling operation.
- Audio Messages: Audio messages from Brooten to Steve Thompson, discussing her mental health, were presented to the court.
Witness Testimony
Caitlin Williams (Daughter): Williams testified that her mother became distant in late 2017 and early 2018 and stopped responding to messages, including news of the death of Brooten’s own mother.
Steve Thompson (Former Partner): Thompson testified that his relationship with Brooten ended partly due to financial issues. He became concerned when he could not reach her in 2018. He found her car and tablet at his home; messages arranging the return of these items were allegedly not sent by Brooten.
Acting Sergeant Jamie Buley: Buley testified that in September 2018, Thompson and another person reported concerns about Brooten’s welfare. Buley called Waden, who stated Brooten had left him three weeks earlier and that he had no concerns.
Dr. Simone Baker (Psychologist): Dr. Baker, who assessed Brooten, testified that Brooten felt worthless and had a history of unhealthy relationships. Brooten mentioned past abuse but did not elaborate.
Senior Constable Neil Ollenburg: Ollenburg reported receiving a missing person report for Brooten in December 2018, noting multiple surnames associated with her. Qantas provided flight details for individuals with similar names.
Verdict and Sentencing
The jury found Waden guilty of murder. Upon the verdict being delivered, Waden stated from the dock, "It wasn’t me."
Justice Peter Callaghan imposed the mandatory life sentence. He stated that the circumstances of Brooten's death would never be known and described Brooten as a "vibrant woman fully engaged with life." He noted that the fact her body has not been found will be a source of trauma for her family. The judge remarked that Waden had engaged in an "elaborate campaign of misdirection and deception" following the killing.
Waden must serve at least 20 years in custody before he is eligible to apply for parole. His legal team indicated they may appeal the conviction.