‘Murder?’: Beauty queen’s killer boyfriend’s interviews with police revealed

Mark Sheridan Waden, a 36-year-old Brisbane-based real estate agent and Zumba instructor, has become the subject of public scrutiny following the release of his police interview regarding the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Priscilla Brooten. The interview, which was made publicly accessible for the first time, coincided with the sentencing of Waden to a life term for murder. The case, which unfolded over several years, has raised numerous questions about the nature of their relationship, the circumstances surrounding Brooten's disappearance, and the evidence that led to Waden's conviction despite the absence of a body or direct witnesses.

Brooten, a former beauty queen originally from the United States, vanished without a trace in 2018. Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort, with authorities initially treating it as a missing persons case. However, as the investigation progressed, law enforcement began to suspect foul play. Waden, who had been in a romantic relationship with Brooten for nearly two years prior to her disappearance, became a focal point of the inquiry. According to the police interview, Waden appeared indifferent when asked whether Brooten had been murdered, stating, "Murder?" as though surprised by the suggestion.

The timeline of events leading to Brooten's disappearance reveals a complex set of interactions. The couple first met through Waden’s work at a local gym in Deagon, where he taught Zumba classes. Their relationship began in late 2016, and Brooten eventually moved into Waden’s home in Bracken Ridge. She brought with her three suitcases filled with personal belongings, including clothing, makeup, shoes, furniture, and plants. Despite this, Waden alleged that Brooten was secretive, often closing her laptop during conversations and refusing to discuss her past. He also claimed she used false names while engaging in online activities that he believed were illegal.

As tensions escalated, Waden reportedly grew increasingly frustrated with Brooten. He admitted to threatening to involve immigration authorities against her, citing concerns about her legal status in Australia. This tension culminated in a significant argument, during which Brooten discovered messages between Waden and Desiree Hatzipapas, his 21-year-old coworker at Bees Nees Realty. The confrontation, according to prosecutors, marked a turning point in their relationship, with Waden expressing a desire to end the relationship.

In the weeks preceding Brooten's disappearance, Waden's behavior became more erratic. On the night of July 5, 2018—the day Brooten was last seen—he canceled his Zumba class and made a 29-minute phone call to her. It was the final communication between them. Later that evening, when Hatzipapas inquired about Brooten's well-being, Waden allegedly responded that he had a class and couldn't answer. The following day, Waden requested the excavation of a trench on his property and the construction of a retaining wall, providing contractors with the excuse that local council officials were scrutinizing his property.

The prosecution built its case around circumstantial evidence, including the locations where both Waden and Brooten’s mobile devices had pinged off cellular towers, as well as the movements of Brooten’s Volkswagen Golf. A critical piece of evidence was the presence of the car, which had been gifted to Brooten by Steve Thompson, a man with whom she had a complicated relationship. Waden had sent messages from Brooten’s phone to Thompson, detailing the car’s whereabouts. These communications, along with other digital footprints, formed part of the evidence that led to Waden’s conviction.

Despite the lack of physical proof—no body was ever found, and there were no eyewitness accounts—the court ruled that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient to establish guilt. Waden’s detailed account of his actions, including the excavation of his yard and the disposal of soil, further supported the prosecution’s narrative. The trial concluded with Waden receiving a life sentence for murder, marking a dramatic conclusion to a case that had captivated public interest due to its unique circumstances and the absence of a traditional crime scene.