New details emerge into the murder of Shandee Blackburn

A new documentary on the death of Shandee Blackburn sheds light on systemic failures from the Queensland Government’s DNA laboratory.

New details have emerged into the death of Queensland woman Shandee Blackburn.

In February 2013, 23-year-old’s life was cut short when she was brutally stabbed more than 20 times just metres from her family home in Mackay. Her killer remains at large.

Shandee’s Story: The Search for Justice available to stream on Flash, shares new information and fresh perspectives from experts, family and friends, shedding light on systemic failures from the Queensland Government’s DNA laboratory.

The Australian’s National Chief Correspondent and host Hedley Thomas discussed the documentary with Flash Presenter Georgie Tunny. He revealed what the program discovered about the case.

“We’ve uncovered more examples of the DNA laboratory not doing its job properly,” he said.

“I believe more examples of Shandee being denied a fair go by the criminal justice system.

“Vicki, who is Shandee’s mum, said to me her hope is Shandee didn’t die in vain that this inquiry could be Shandee’s legacy, the outcomes and the remedies, the fixes, the learnings and lessons.

“Everything else from this whole process that is underway now could well be the legacy that Shandee leaves.”

Stream the new true crime investigation Shandee’s Story, hosted by award-winning investigative journalist Hedley Thomas on Flash. 25+ news channels in one place. New to Flash? Try one month free. Offer ends October, 31, 2022 >

Shandee Blackburn was stabbed to death in 2013.

The prime suspect, her former boyfriend John Peros, a champion amateur boxer with jealousy and trust issues, was charged with Shandee’s murder in 2014.

Peros stood trial for murder in 2017 but was acquitted by a Supreme Court jury.

In 2019 a coronial inquest into Shandee’s death heard evidence not presented at Peros’ murder trial.

In 2020, the coroner found that Shandee died in an incident of violence with Peros using a bladed instrument. Peros has maintained his innocence.

When asked if the case will be solved, Mr Thomas said he hopes so.

“I do have a very optimistic sense about this case,” he said.

“You couldn’t say for certain that it will be solved, but I think it’s got its best chance now.”

Shandee Blackburn with John Peros.

Based on The Australian’s true crime podcast series, Shandee’s Story the documentary includes interviews with Vicki and Shannah Blackburn (Shandee’s mother and sister), Greven Breadsell (former boxing coach of John Peros, Shandee’s ex-boyfriend), Shannon Fentiman MP (Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Women, and the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence), Steven Phillips (Shandee’s friend, colleague and ex-roommate), Dr Kirsty Wright (Forensic Biologist) and Kristy Bell (Criminal lawyer who represented the Blackburn family at the 2019 inquest) and many more.

Shandee’s Story: The Search for Justice will air Tuesday June 7 at 8pm AEST on Sky News. Watch on Foxtel, Stream on Flash.

Originally published as New details emerge into the murder of Shandee Blackburn