Alleged murder victim could still be alive, jury told
Rex Martinich
A man accused of murdering his missing American girlfriend is found not guilty because she may still be alive and living her “secluded” lifestyle, a jury has heard.
Mark Sheridan Waden, 50, will stand trial in the Supreme Court in Brisbane for two weeks, accused of murdering US citizen Priscilla Brooten, 46.
His body was never found.
Defense attorney James Godbolt told the jury in his closing argument Friday that the police search for Brooten was “not credible to a high degree.”
“The investigation was extremely inadequate,” Godbolt said.
“He was in Australia illegally for many years and lived his life away from the spotlight.”
The jury heard that police efforts to find evidence of life relied on other agencies to search for Brooten’s seven known aliases.
Godbolt said Brooten did not have a bank account, Centrelink account, Medicare card or mobile phone in his name.
“He’s someone who doesn’t want to be found,” Godbolt said.
The prosecution alleged Waden buried Brooten in a ditch at his home in Brisbane’s northern suburbs on July 5, 2018, then dumped her body in a rubbish dump in Brisbane almost a year later.
In his closing argument, prosecutor Andrew Walklate told the jury Waden killed Brooten when “things came to a head” in their troubled relationship and during an argument about money and infidelity.
Waden admitted to police that Brooten had lied to his friends about being raided by Border Force and deported after missing gym classes.
“He impersonated the deceased. There is a constant deception to both friends and authorities… he dug ditches,” Walklate said.
“This was not the behavior of a man dealing with the aftermath of a momentary unlawful assault… it was at the very least an intent to cause serious bodily harm.”
Walklate said Waden removed hundreds of pounds of soil from his yard, dumped it in the dumpster overnight, and then pressure-washed his trailer.
Godbolt told the jury that his client was working late shifts as an Uber driver at the time and could only run errands at night.
Jurors heard claims that decomposing human remains were buried in Waden’s home were not supported by witness statements or forensic evidence.
“There was never a body there,” Godbolt said.
The jury was told that Brooten had consulted a doctor and psychologist due to serious acts of self-harm and symptoms of major depression.
“Unfortunately, in this case, the possibility of suicide arises,” Godbolt said.
Jurors are expected to begin deliberations on Monday after receiving instructions from Judge Peter Callaghan.
Support is available from: National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Counseling Service From (1800RESPECT) 1800 737 732.
If you or someone you know needs support, call Lifeline at 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue From 1300 224 636.
AAP
