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Man Accused Of Killing Former American Beauty Queen Returns To Brisbane Court More Than Seven Years After Her Disappearance

People
10:52 PM, 12/09/2025
Man Accused Of Killing Former American Beauty Queen Returns To Brisbane Court More Than Seven Years After Her Disappearance

Mark Sheridan Waden appeared at Brisbane’s Supreme Court on Dec. 9 for a pre-trial hearing after being charged with murder and interfering with a corpse in the disappearance of his former partner, Priscilla Brooten, who went missing from their Bracken Ridge home in July 2018. Brooten’s blue Volkswagen was found abandoned in Scarborough days after she vanished, and police excavated the couple’s yard in 2019 after cadaver dogs indicated a spot. No body has been recovered, but a magistrate found there is sufficient circumstantial evidence for Waden to stand trial. The case is set for review on Feb. 5, 2026.

Mark Sheridan Waden, 50, appeared at the Supreme Court in Brisbane for a pre-trial hearing on Dec. 9, facing charges of murder and interfering with a corpse in connection with the disappearance of his former partner, Priscilla Brooten, who vanished from their Bracken Ridge home in July 2018.

Court Appearance And Charges

Waden attended a pre-trial hearing at Brisbane's Supreme Court where he remains accused of murdering Brooten, who was 46 when she disappeared. He also faces a charge of misconduct involving a corpse. Although Waden has been charged, he has not yet entered a plea and remains on bail. The matter is listed for a case review on Feb. 5, 2026.

Investigation Details

Queensland Police charged a man in June 2019 after investigators excavated the couple's property following indications from cadaver dogs. Brooten's blue Volkswagen Golf hatchback was found abandoned in Scarborough on July 6, 2018, shortly after she was last seen at the Bracken Ridge residence. Despite extensive inquiries, Brooten's body has never been recovered.

Victim Background

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hogan previously said Brooten had family in California — including a daughter and her mother — and described her as friendly and outgoing. Reports noted she enjoyed yoga, Zumba and was active in online gaming.

Police and court spokespeople have declined further comment while the matter remains before the court.

Sources: Coverage by People, 7NEWS Brisbane, ABC, NewsWire, pernews.com.au, The Daily Telegraph and The Courier-Mail.

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