Beauty Queen Priscilla Brooten Missing Case

A man is on trial for murder nearly eight years after his girlfriend disappeared, with prosecutors alleging that a large trench was dug in his yard just one day after she went missing.

Priscilla Brooten, a former American beauty queen, went missing on July 5, 2018, from her home in Bracken Ridge, a suburb of Brisbane, Australia. She was not reported missing until December of that year, and her body has never been found.

Her boyfriend, Mark Sheridan Waden, has pleaded not guilty to murder. The case is being heard at the Supreme Court in Brisbane.

Prosecution Allegations

Prosecutors told the court that the case relies on circumstantial evidence. They allege that Waden killed Brooten after she discovered messages between him and other women.

The court heard claims that on the day of her disappearance, Waden was in contact with another woman and had sent romantic messages earlier that morning. He also allegedly canceled a Zumba class that evening.

It was further alleged that he made urgent requests for a trench to be dug in his front yard the day after Brooten went missing. The area was later reportedly excavated again, and a large amount of soil was removed.

Evidence and Further Claims

Prosecutors stated that Brooten’s personal belongings, including clothing, makeup, and her phone, were later handed over to another partner.

They also claimed Waden misled people about the circumstances of her disappearance and gave inconsistent statements to authorities.

Defense Argument

The defense argued that there is no direct evidence linking Waden to the disappearance. They suggested that Brooten may still be alive or may have left voluntarily.

Waden previously told police that the couple had been arguing and that she left after a dispute.

Background of Priscilla Brooten

At the time of her disappearance, Brooten was reportedly living in Australia on an expired visa.

Trial Status

The murder trial is expected to continue for several days as the court examines circumstantial evidence.