‘Critical errors’: Lab fail exposed in Shandee Blackburn murder case

The family of murdered woman Shandee Blackburn are calling for an independent review after learning of “critical errors” made by a pathology lab that could have foiled the hunt for her killer.

The family of murdered woman Shandee Blackburn are calling for an independent review after learning the pathology lab tasked with processing evidence from her unsolved murder failed to return adequate DNA findings, potentially foiling the hunt for her killer.

Shandee’s mother Vicki and sister Shannah, alongside the former national head of Australia’s criminal DNA database, Dr Kirsty Wright, are urging the Queensland Government to immediately hand over all DNA samples and records from Shandee’s 2013 stabbing death to an independent facility.

Dr Wright, who has been analysing the findings and official documents from the investigation into Shandee’s death, said she has never seen a case handled so poorly.

“(There were) critical errors that I believe may have prevented the offender from Shandee’s murder from being identified,” she said.

“Quite simply I’ve never seen a case done so poorly.”

Murdered woman Shandee Blackburn.

Shandee’s case has been in the public eye following the release of Shandee’s Story- a podcast by The Australian’s national chief correspondent, Hedley Thomas.

Dr Wright, who contributes to the podcast, has recently identified multiple errors in the handling of evidence by the Queensland Health-run lab.

Dr Wright said the lab failed to find any trace of DNA on a car owned by Shandee’s former boyfriend John Peros, who was charged - and since acquitted - of Shandee’s death.

He has denied any involvement in her murder.

John Peros with Shandee Blackburn.

Mr Peros’ car had been driven many thousands of kilometres by Shandee’s ex partner, however none of the 33 samples tested after being retrieved from the car found the driver’s own DNA inside the vehicle.

Similarly, Dr Wright said two key items seized by police were not properly tested by the lab.

“There was two knives that were handed into the lab by police- critical items from a stabbing murder.

“The lab did not fully test those samples … I am truly worried that there’s other cases that should have been resolved but may not have been because of critical errors.”

Forensic scientist Kristy Wright with Shannah and Vicki Blackburn. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

Vicki and Shannah only learned the lab may have failed in their duty to properly conduct DNA pathology yesterday.

“We are in utter shock this could happen in Australia,” Shandee’s mum Vicki Blackburn said.

While her sister begged for the truth to be revealed and for Shandee’s killer to be identified.

“We have only ever stood up and asked for the truth, yet we have been denied over and over again,” Shannah said.

“Its difficult to fathom that we have to stand here and beg for the truth, but if this is what it takes – here I am begging.”

Shandee Blackburn (centre) with her mum Vicki (left) and sister Shannah (right).

Dr Wright said it was of her belief the scope of errors across the entire DNA profiling process in relation to the case would have been apparent to the lab scientists.

“What was happening inside that laboratory in 2013?,” Dr Wright said.

“Those questions absolutely need answers. Otherwise the police, the courts and the general members of the community cannot trust any further DNA results coming out of that laboratory, they simply cannot trust it.

“In my professional opinion, I cannot trust any DNA profiles the laboratory generated for Shandee’s case.

Criminal lawyer Kristy Bell, who represented Shandee and her family at a 2019 inquest into her death said there must be an investigation into the lab.

A Queensland Health spokesperson said: “The role of Forensic and Scientific Services is to provide analysis to the Queensland Police Service and provide professional evidence in Court describing that analysis.”