Shandee Blackburn was 23 years old when she was murdered in her hometown Mackay in 2013.
In the one-hour investigative documentary Shandee’s Story: The Search for Justice, award-winning journalist Hedley Thomas delves into Shandee’s life, the moments leading to her death and the investigation which followed.
Shandee’s family recounts memories of a sister, daughter and friend whose life was cruelly taken when she was stabbed to death more than 20 times during the early hours of February 9, 2013.
Shandee’s ex-partner John Peros was charged with her murder in 2014 but found not guilty in a 2017 Supreme Court trial.
Friends and family members described Peros as controlling, with text messages revealing the abusive comments he directed at Shandee and the toxic nature of their relationship.
The investigation into Shandee’s death has now been reopened after errors with the initial DNA profiling process were found.
Forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright said there was no DNA found from a blood sample taken on the night of the crime.
“This would’ve been a sample that absolutely should’ve provided a result,” she said.
“That really concerned me initially. How could this escape the attention of two qualified scientists and a quality management system? That didn’t make sense to me.”
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Discussion about this post