Mark Sheridan Waden, accused of killing Priscilla Brooten, returns to court seven years after her disappearance
A Brisbane man accused of murdering former American beauty queen Priscilla Brooten has returned to court more than seven years after the 46-year-old disappeared from her Bracken Ridge home.
Mark Sheridan Waden, 50, is charged with murder and tampering with a corpse in connection with Ms Brooten’s disappearance in July 2018. His body was never found.
Mr Waden appeared in the dock as the pre-trial hearing continued in the Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Ms. Brooten, a part-time Zumba instructor and literature student originally from the United States, was last seen at the north side home she shared with her partner at the time, Mr. Waden.
He was reported missing in December 2018, sparking an investigation that quickly focused on Mr Waden.
In 2019, detectives charged Mr Waden with murder after extensive searches, including a seven-day forensic dig at his Denham Street property, during which officers dug up parts of the garden and examined areas around the driveway.
Despite Ms Brooten’s remains not being found, a magistrate had previously ruled there was sufficient circumstantial evidence to stand trial for her.
Mr Waden was released on bail while the case proceeded to the High Court. He did not make any defence.
The matter is scheduled to be examined on February 5, 2026.
