The estranged son of Gold Coast woman Wendy Sleeman has been formally charged with her murder.
30-year-old Slade Murdok will return to Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning charged with one count of murder.
It’s been a week since Ms Sleeman called police to report a break in at her Elanora home, with police arriving half an hour later to find a trail of blood, a small fire and no sign of the 61-year-old.
It sparked a major search, with her body eventually found in her dumped car at a unit complex in Brisbane two days later.
Her son had already been charged with a range of offences following his mother’s disappearance, including unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
On Tuesday, Queensland Police confirmed he has also been charged with one count of murder (DV).
Ms Sleeman’s brother Mike Sleeman and sister Meg Sleeman also released a statement following the news.
“We acknowledge the tireless work of the Burleigh Heads CIB in this case. We can now lay our beloved sister to rest,” the statement read.
“We are profoundly saddened by Wendy’s death.
“She was gentle, funny, caring, clever, loved her Labradors and always thought of other people before herself.
“In accordance with Wendy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of leaving flowers, could we ask that people consider making a donation in her memory to either Rosie’s or to the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland.
“We will miss our beloved sister forever and ask for you to respect our privacy at this terrible time.”
If you are in immediate danger call 000 now. If you require advice or assistance, the following services offer counselling and support.
Lifeline 24/7 telephone crisis support 13 11 14
DV Connect Queensland Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 phone 1800 811 811
1800RESPECT 24/7 phone 1800 737 732
Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast
