Renae Marsden’s parents still waiting for catfishing law to be changed, eight years after their daughter’s death

Renae Marsden had a whole life ahead of her. But in a cruel act, it was cut short. Now her parents want action.

Exclusive: The distraught parents of a catfishing victim have started a petition, calling for the practice to be criminalised in Australia.

Since posting the appeal on change.org two days ago, Mark and Teresa Marsden, of Sydney, have amassed 2700 signatures, supporting their push to have people who impersonate others online legally held to account.

In 2013, their 20-year-old daughter Renae Marsden took her own life after falling for the fake online persona “Brayden Spiteri”, whom she believed she would marry when he was released from jail.

Sadly, masquerading as Brayden — in thousands of messages — was Ms Marsden’s high-school friend Camila Zeidan.

At the inquest into her death, Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott fell short of saying the act of catfishing should be illegal, adding that further examination was required.

Renae Marsden (left) and Camila Zeidan (right).

Camila Zeidan outside Lidcombe Coroner’s court. She is now married with two kids. Picture: Toby Zerna

“How can we as a society stand back and watch someone mentally, emotionally, and psychologically destroy another person and not be held accountable under any jurisdiction or law?,” Mr Marsden said.

“The carnage and destruction to our family, there are no words to describe it. It’s remarkable how our family has been able to stay together. We live and breathe this pain every day.

“Camila still lives freely, goes shopping and walks in the same area … It’s a total slap in the face.”

Mrs Marsden added: “I made a promise to my daughter that until my last breath I will do everything I can to introduce ‘catfishing’ as a new law to try and protect others falling victim to the same fate as Renae.”

Parents Teresa and Mark Marsden with their daughter Monique and sons Luke and Jake at their home.

The NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said coercive control laws — specifically targeting bullying and intimidation — would be able to outlaw catfishing, but Mr Marsden wants a dedicated offence established.

“To us it falls short. It’s the catfishing issue that isn’t illegal and you’re quite free to be whatever you want online. We want better protection by the law,” he said.

“We have been inundated over the years with people who have had similar situations and we just don’t want families going through what we go through.

“Social media opens up the door for these problems and it’s a problem for society. Catfishing is out there and it’s not going away unless they make it unlawful.”

To this day, Ms Marsden’s body has never been found. She died by suicide the same day Ms Zeidan messaged her, as Brayden, breaking off the relationship.

“I love you so much I’m sorry for everything and the pain I will now cause you but I’ll be OK I’ll still be here and be around when you need to talk to me just call my name and I’ll be there,” Ms Marsden texted to her mother.

“You're the most amazing person and mother ever and my very best friend. I wasn’t happy and I need you to understand that it’s OK don’t let this ruin everyone else you need to take care of OK I need you to be strong for me.

“I love you muma I always will. And I’ll be waiting when you come.”

Renae Marsden with her mother Teresa. Picture: Supplied

Parents Teresa and Mark Marsden are still waiting for justice over their daughter’s death.

Magistrate Truscott said Ms Zeidan created the character of Brayden Spiteri to maintain an intimate relationship with Ms Marsden.

She told the hearing she believed Ms Marsden never found out that Brayden was secretly Camila all along.

“That an inquest hearing can be a vehicle for such torment, I apologise,” Magistrate Truscott said.

“It is not difficult to conclude that Camilla came to court with no intention of telling the truth.

“That a 27-year-old woman who under the protection of (immunity) cannot and will not right those wrongs is incomprehensible.”

Ms Zeidan did not admit to catfishing Renae at any point during the inquest.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Originally published as Renae Marsden’s parents still waiting for catfishing law to be changed, eight years after their daughter’s death