Shandee Blackburn’s family shocked at $20m lawsuit from man found to be responsible for her death by coroner

The family of Shandee Blackburn have spoken after learning of the $20 million lawsuit against the state by the man a coroner found responsible for killing her.

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Shandee Blackburn’s family were shocked to learn the man a coroner found to be responsible for killing the Mackay woman has lodged a $20 million damages claim against the state government.

John Peros spent three years behind bars until 2017 when he was acquitted of the murder of his ex-girlfriend Ms Blackburn, who was stabbed to death as she walked home from work in 2013.

Mr Peros has now lodged a $20m damages claim against the state government alleging he was the victim of malicious prosecution and wrongful imprisonment.

Shandee Blackburn’s mother Vicki. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Shandee’s mother Vicki Blackburn provided a statement to The Courier-Mail on behalf of the family.

“We were as shocked as anyone to hear about this, but unfortunately due to the current lawsuit against (Shandee’s sister) Shannah, Hedley Thomas and The Australian, we are again forced to be silenced,” the family statement read.

“Our pursuit for justice for Shandee will continue.”

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she was unable to comment on the matter as it was before the courts.

She acknowledged that it would be a “very difficult time” for the Blackburn family when asked by media on Saturday.

Shandee Blackburn with John Peros, the man a coroner found responsible for killer her. Mr Peros maintains his innocence.

In 2020, coroner David O’Connell, who examined the case, found that Mr Peros was responsible for killing Ms Blackburn, concluding there was “no other possible reasonable explanation”.

Despite the coroner’s finding, Queensland’s double jeopardy laws mean Peros cannot be charged again with Ms Blackburn’s murder unless fresh and compelling evidence comes to light.

In his findings the coroner stated that Peros was not guilty of any offence, nor was he civilly liable.

“These are inquest finding that I make, and this is not a criminal trial, nor a civil action,” Mr O’Connell said.

Mr Peros, who now resides in Western Australia, has lodged a civil suit in the Brisbane Supreme Court against arresting officer Detective Sergeant Lisa Elkins and the State of Queensland.

He has strenuously proclaimed his innocence and has denied having any involvement in the death of the 23-year-old Ms Blackburn.