Tributes flow for beloved Gold Coast mum Wendy Sleeman after her body found

A close friend of a Gold Coast woman found in the boot of a car has revealed her son was always quiet, even when he was just a teenager. READ THE TRIBUTES

A close friend of Wendy Sleeman has revealed her son was always quiet, even when he was just a teenager.

The “kind and lovely” woman’s body was found in the boot of a car in Brisbane on Thursday night after an extensive police search operation.

The Elanora woman was allegedly attacked, dragged unconscious through a pool of blood and kidnapped by her estranged 30-year-old son Slade Murdok.

Police charged Murdok after his mother went missing from her Gold Coast home on Tuesday. He was arrested by specialist SERT police in Brisbane’s southwest about 5pm on Wednesday. He has been charged with one count each of unlawful stalking, burglary, assault occasioning bodily harm, kidnapping, attempted arson, and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

He was denied bail and remains in custody.

Elanora mum Wendy Sleeman. Picture: Facebook

Ms Sleeman, 61, was a beloved teacher at Langports Language College, a dog breeder and a valued member of the Labrador Retriever Club of Queensland.

The club’s president Wilhelm Chang had known Ms Sleeman for more than 20 years and had visited her home on several occasions.

“She was always very brave. You would not know her struggles if she did not tell you,” Mr Chang said.

“The only time I felt something was strange was when I visited her house. (Murdok) was always very quiet.”

On Thursday, police prosecutor Bimal Raut told the court Murdok had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

30-year-old Slade Murdok. Picture: Queensland Police

Mr Chang believed Murdok’s ASD was why Ms Sleeman was passionate about breeding labrador retrievers to help other people with autism.

“Her breeding philosophy was to have dogs to help with kids on the autism spectrum,” he said.

The club president went on to describe the Elanora mum as a “strong and intelligent” person.

“She was soft-spoken and very polite,” he said.

“She was always very well respected.”

Ms Sleeman had five dogs, which were now being looked after by a friend.

Mr Chang said the club would provide support and help find homes for any dogs where needed.

Club secretary Cath Wardle said members were in shock over her death.

“It’s a real tragedy,” Ms Wardle said.

“She was a lovely person. She was very kind.

“She always tried to do the right thing - we just can’t believe what has happened.”

Wendy Sleeman was a passionate dog breeder. Picture: supplied

Ms Wardle said the club would discuss plans for a memorial for Ms Sleeman at their annual general meeting on February 20.

“I did have a suggestion that we have a memorial dog show,” she said.

“Somebody else said she we should have a trophy (named after her).

“That will have to go before a meeting and we’ll decide.”

Ms Wardle said it was unknown what would happen to the labrador retrievers Ms Sleeman was breeding, but added there were plenty of people who had offered to help.

Langports Language School chief executive Anna Bell said staff and students were “deeply saddened” about Ms Sleeman’s passing.

“Obviously the issue is an active police matter and we have been working with authorities and cannot comment further,” Ms Bell said.

“However, personally speaking she was a much loved teacher and will be missed by staff and students.

“At this time our thoughts are with Wendy’s family and friends we are doing everything we can to support our staff and students at this difficult time.”

Wendy Sleeman is being described as ‘kind and lovely’ woman.

Ms Bell did not say how the school planned to pay tribute to the popular teacher or whether any upcoming classes would be cancelled.

Friend and neighbour Joseph Adams launched an online fundraiser to help “leave a legacy” for the beloved mum.

“As a humble neighbour and friend, I am asking the community to rally around Wendy,” he wrote.

Mr Adams said there were already plans for a memorial bench and plaque to be created in the mum’s honour at the Tallebudgera dog park.

“Proceeds (from the fundraiser) will go toward the memorial being built in Wendy’s honour (and) a small donation will be made to the family to assist Wendy’s beloved dogs.”

To view the fundraiser, visit here.

A candlelight vigil service to remember Ms Sleeman will be held at 6pm Sunday.

Mourners are asked to gather at Creekside Park - corner of Chestnut St and Nineteenth Ave, Elanora.