Jackson Stacker inquest: Lismore court hears Melbourne man found lying in Tweed paddock with stab wounds
Almost two-and-half-years since Victorian man Jackson Stacker’s body was tragically found in a Tweed field, near his beloved Toyota van, an inquest delving into answers has begun in northern NSW.
Regional News
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Almost two-and-half-years since Melbourne man Jackson Stacker’s body was found in a Tweed field, near his beloved Toyota Hiace van, an inquest delving into answers has begun in a North Coast court.
The 26-year-old, who had been missing, was tragically found dead at Pottsville in the Tweed Shire on August 25, 2021.
His decomposed body was found under a tree in a paddock – a knife protruding from it, the inquest heard on Monday morning.
Police believe Mr Stacker’s body could have been lying in the field for a month, near a rest stop on the Pacific Highway, where the van was parked.
It came after a woman reported the van parked at the Sleepy Hollow stop, about 40 kilometres north of northern NSW tourism hub Byron Bay.
Mr Stacker’s phone, a speaker, laptop and a Nikon camera were missing from the car, the inquest has heard.
Police initially thought Mr Stacker took his own life due to mental health and substance issues – but his family does not believe he was capable of suicide, and particularly in such a manner.
The inquest into the manner of Mr Stacker’s death has started in Lismore Local Court before State Coroner Magistrate Teresa O’Sullivan. The inquest is listed to finish Tuesday.
The courtroom’s public gallery has been filled with friends and devastated family members, some who travelled from Melbourne.
Mr Stacker’s father Ian gripped a tissue and wiped tears from his eyes as he listened to the proceedings.
Mia Kidis, 25, of Sydney flew up for proceedings and said Jackson was a charismatic, friendly and down-to-earth person.
“He had a lust for life,” she told the inquest.
It has emerged when officers found Mr Stacker’s body, his torso was skeletal, his face was down and he was covered in a fur coat, with an 18 centimetre long hunting knife in his chest.
The inquest heard Mr Stacker’s scalp was found separately to his body, four teeth were missing and his boots were found 14 metres away from his body in the cow paddock.
The sheath from the hunting knife was found in his van and it has been determined Mr Stacker died as a result of sharp chest trauma.
Senior Counsel Assisting the Coroner Kirsten Edwards spoke on Monday morning of how Mr Stacker was stabbed and the hand he would have used if he inflicted injuries himself.
“If he (injured himself) he would have used his right hand. If someone else did it they would have been left-handed,” the inquest heard.
In 2021, it was reported by The Northern Star that those in the Byron Shire who knew Mr Stacker confirmed he had a job in the area and had been living in the van.
No one has ever been charged in relation to Mr Stacker’s death.
More to come.
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