Brogden, Jay Anthony

Contributing factors

• Relationship breakdown with ex-partner Patricia Heath
• History of violence towards Patricia Heath
• Tensions with Heath family
• Tensions with Mr Shoesmith over Patricia Heath
• Possible threats from Casey Heath and/or Mr Shoesmith
• Drug use escalation in weeks before disappearance
• Emotional distress regarding inability to see daughter
• Assault on Patricia Heath on night of disappearance
• Failure of police to report suspected death to coroner
• Systemic delay in missing persons reporting to coroner

Coroner's recommendations

1. The Queensland Police Service amend Chapters 8 and 12 of the Operating Procedures Manual to provide that a missing person must be reported to the State Coroner by way of QP 0608 report as soon as the investigating officer suspects that the missing person is deceased but, in any case, within twelve months of the date of the person's disappearance.
2. The Queensland Police Service conduct an annual audit of compliance with the chapters of the Operating Procedures Manual relating to the reporting of missing persons to the coroner for three years from the date of amendment to the OPM with results to be provided to the State Coroner.
3. The Queensland Police Service conduct an audit of all files held by Missing Persons Unit to ensure that all disappearances occurring twelve months ago or more have been reported to the State Coroner.
4. The Officer in Charge of the Missing Persons Unit and/or the Coronial Support Unit refer the disappearance of Mr Brogden to Homicide, State Crime Command, as a death determined as being suspicious, as required by section 12.3.1(v) Operating Procedures Manual.