Coroner to deliver findings on missing Yarrabah teen in July

A timeline and a series of undisputed facts was established during a four-day inquest into the disappearance of Yarrabah teen Markiah.

Almost exactly four months after missing teen Far North Queensland teen allegedly drove a stolen Volkswagen Polo down an uninhabited back road, stopped the car and got out, the region experienced a one-in-100-year flood event, a court has heard.

The inquest into the disappearance of Markiah Major, who was last seen on August 18 last year, wrapped up after four days of hearings in Cairns Coroners Court.

Northern Coroner Stephanie Williams said she would hand down her findings on July 19 in Brisbane.

Yarrabah teenager Markiah was last seen by his mother on August 15 last year.

The inquest is examining if Markiah is dead or alive, when, where and how he passed and what was the cause, and the identity of anyone involved in his disappearance or death.

The court heard that Markiah’s DNA was found on a cap and a shoe, but no sign of the 17-year-old has been found despite three extensive searches starting in November and involving police, dogs, advanced drone technology and divers in the sparse creeks that weave through the area.

Back Bend Rd meanders through the township of Yarrabah and winds its way in a valley toward Wungu Beach, which faces Fitzroy Island, coming to a dead end in what seems the middle of nowhere.

Yarrabah woman Kamaree Major is comforted by relatives Breannen Sands, Paige Fourmile and Eric Sands as she sheds tears for her missing son Markiah Major, 17. Picture: Brendan Radke

Counsel assisting the coroner Matt Jackson emphasised the investigation was ongoing but said a timeline with undisputed facts had been established and while there was no direct evidence on the fate of Markiah, “there is a series of circumstances that might create a circumstantial case as to what may have happened to Markiah”.

The court previously heard Markiah was driving the Polo with a young friend, and they stopped at his mate’s place so his mate could pick up his phone charger.

When the youth came back outside, the Polo had gone and he believed Markiah had driven off without him.

On August 19, three witnesses saw the Polo near a creek, got torches and looked around and while one of them said he saw a shadow, none of them saw a person leave the car.

Police, SES, divers and a human remains detection dog have scoured remote bushland near Yarrabah for the remains of missing teen Markiah. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Earlier in the inquest, the court heard evidence from a girl that she believed Markiah had stolen a car belonging to an outlaw bikie gang and that he had been harmed.

But her evidence was debunked with bodyworn camera footage of the interview between Detective Aaron Thomas shown in court, where the girl admitted her story was not true.

“Nothing on the evidence would suggest Markiah is alive, but the evidence would not permit you any further findings in that regard,” Mr Watson said.

He said police continued to act on information that came in as late as last week.

Police, SES, divers and a human remains detection dog have scoured remote bushland near Yarrabah for the remains of missing teen Markiah Major. Picture: Queensland Police Service

Lawyer Andrea Lawrence, representing the paternal family, said there had been variations on the girl’s story and the only time she had recanted was when challenged by Detective Thomas, and she could be theorising.

She said important evidence was that the Polo was linked directly to Markiah and “its movement become his movements, it is assumed”.

It was not contentious that Markiah and two boys he was initially with were affected by drugs at the time.

The court heard Detective Senior Sergeant Mick Gooiker would speak with the state emergency search and rescue co-ordinator, and if there was benefit conducting a further search, it would be done.

A map showing how Back Bend Rd weaves away from the township of Yarrabah. Picture: Google Maps

Coroner Williams said it was clear Markiah was much-loved by extended family and friends.

“I can only imagine not knowing what happened to Markiah is entirely devastating for everybody,” she said.

“It has been no doubt harrowing to listen to the evidence during the inquest, I am very mindful of fact not knowing precise details or even where Markiah might be would have a significant impact on everybody.”

The inquest closed on a deeply moving note with Markiah’s grandmother Esalyn Ambrym saying a prayer and reciting a small piece of scripture from Luke 8:17 – “‘nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light”.

“We don’t know what’s around the corner, but we have faith and trust … we’re going to continue to fight,” she said.

Originally published as Coroner to deliver findings on missing Yarrabah teen in July