Shandee Blackburn murder: 10 years of heartbreak

For Vicki Blackburn, the death of her daughter Shandee seems like yesterday. But in the 3652 days that have followed, there’s been pain, hoping and coping – and some inspirational wins for victims of crime like her. SPECIAL REPORT

It has been 10 years – 3652 days – but in the blink of an eye Vicki Blackburn is transported back to February 9, 2013 and the moment she learned her daughter had been murdered.

“It’s just continuous hoping and coping,” she said.

“In some ways it’s been a really long 10 years, in other ways it’s just yesterday we lost her.

“It’s still really close, if we stop and think we go back to that day.”

Thursday marks a decade since Shandee Blackburn’s violent death sent shockwaves across the nation, left a scar on the Mackay community and sparked safety initiatives within the region.

Shandee Blackburn’s mother Vicki Blackburn and sister Shannah Blackburn, around the time and at the site of her murder on the corner of Juliet St and Boddington St in Mackay. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / The Australian

Shandee’s story is well known. The pretty 23-year-old hospitality worker had finished her shift at Harrup Park Country Club so she began the short trek home.

CCTV cameras captured her final steps in grainy imagery as she left the venue and walked along Juliet St.

When she reached Boddington St, and just a stone’s throw from her home, she was stabbed to death in a ferocious, frenzied attack and left in the gutter.

Her former boyfriend John Peros was charged with her murder 18 months later – in September 2014 – and maintained he had no involvement in her death.

Shandee Blackburn with John Peros, who was charged with, and acquitted of her murder.

In 2017 a jury acquitted him of murder. Then on August 21, 2020 Coroner David O’Connell found Mr Peros was, on the balance of probabilities, responsible for her death.

During a three-hour hearing of his 66-page inquest findings he said: “Miss Blackburn died due to injuries sustained in an incident involving violence with Mr John Peros, who used a bladed instrument.”

Under state double jeopardy laws Mr Peros cannot be recharged with murder unless there is “fresh and compelling” evidence.

But Shandee’s legacy does not end with her death.

Through her mother and sister Shannah’s relentless fight for justice, momentous change has been achieved for victims everywhere.

“I think Shannah and I are both at the stage now where we’re really suffering, finding it harder to keep on going … as time goes on it’s not easier,” Vicki said.

The Australian launched a podcast series named Shandee's Story – taking a look at the brutal unsolved murder of Shandee Blackburn that has haunted Mackay for a decade.

Vicki paid tribute to The Australian’s Hedley Thomas, who brought her daughter’s case to life once more through his podcast Shandee’s Story, and forensic scientist Dr Kirsty Wright, who uncovered serious issues with the forensic handling of her case at Queensland Health’s Forensic and Scientific Services.

The podcast sparked an inquiry that determined catastrophic failures including “grave maladministration involving dishonesty” within the state-run DNA lab impacting countless victims.

“I said early on I didn’t want her to die for nothing,” Vicki said.

“We had absolutely no idea what was going to happen and what was going to come of it … we’re very pleased she’s been the catalyst for all these changes that are going to come about within the justice system.”

“Something our government … needs to remind themselves of … it’s not just a job,” Vicki added.

“I think sometimes the end goal is forgotten … there has to be justice for everybody and I hope that justice can be done.”

The man leading the inquiry, respected former Court of Appeal president Justice Walter Sofronoff KC, also determined that Shandee’s case could still be solved and that further testing was warranted.

The Central Coroner has confirmed he was “progressing certain preliminary enquiries in the reopened investigation in the death of Ms Blackburn”.

Mr O’Connell was awaiting “the outcome of those enquiries before determining if it is necessary to reopen the inquest,” a Coroners Court of Queensland spokesman said.

Shandee Blackburn (C) with her sister Shannah and mother Vicki.

“Any decision in regard to reopening of the inquest will be communicated to Ms Blackburn’s family and interested parties when known.”

On Saturday a family-friendly community event is being held at Harrup Park in Shandee’s honour.

“We want to raise awareness for other victims of crime, victims of domestic violence and support women’s services,” Vicki said.

“Of all the lessons we have learned from this … every single victim is important, it doesn’t matter what circumstances, who they are.

“Every victim is important and deserves the full backing of the justice system.”

Remembering Shandee will go from 5.30-7pm – entry will be a gold coin donation, there will be a huge raffle and all proceeds will go to Mackay Women’s Services.