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ABC News
ABC News
National

Missing American woman's partner released from custody as police continue to dig up Brisbane yard

Police dig up Bracken Ridge yard in search of missing American woman Priscilla Brooten.

A home in Brisbane's north remains a crime scene as investigations into the suspected murder of an American woman continue.

Priscilla Brooten, 46, was last seen in Bracken Ridge last July, but was not reported missing until December.

A 43-year-old Brisbane man, who was dating Ms Brooten, was taken into custody shortly after police began excavating the front yard of the Bracken Ridge property on Saturday morning but has since been released.

The US national, who was known as friendly and outgoing, lived in Brisbane for several years and police believe the pair had been in a de-facto relationship for a year before she disappeared.

Homicide detectives are continuing to search the property but nothing of interest to the investigation has been found.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Hogan has previously told the ABC Ms Brooten was heavily involved in online gaming and he believed her friends in chat groups may be able to help piece together her last moves.

"Police suspect a lot of people she associated with online and also in some private clubs may not know that police are investigating her disappearance," he said.

Police have also been in touch with the American woman's daughter and mother, who live in California.

"We share the fear of Ms Brooten's family and friends and have reason to believe she may have met with foul play," Detective Senior Sergeant Hogan told the ABC.

Police continue to appeal for information about Ms Brooten's blue Volkswagen Golf hatchback, which was found abandoned on Bunton Street, Scarborough on July 6 last year.

Detectives anticipate the search of the Bracken Ridge property will continue for days.

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