How the Murder of a Young Woman Uncovered a 'Forensic Train Wreck' — and Led to a Reckoning Years in the Making

On February 9, 2013, 23-year-old Shandee Blackburn was stabbed to death while walking home from work at the Harrup Park Country Club in Mackay. Despite a police investigation that led to charges and a trial in 2017, the accused was acquitted. A coronial inquest in 2020 identified her killer, but no one has ever been held criminally responsible for her murder.

A year later, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas from The Australian released a podcast titled 'Shandee's Story,' which brought attention to the case. With the help of independent forensic biologist Dr. Kirsty Wright, the podcast revealed critical errors in the forensic testing that may have prevented the killer from being identified.

Dr. Wright found that Queensland's forensic lab had made 17 errors in testing samples from Shandee's clothing — a number she called 'inexcusable.' She described the case as a 'forensic train wreck' and warned that these errors may have affected thousands of other cases.

In 2022 and 2023, two commissions of inquiry were held at the urging of Shandee’s mother, Vicki Blackburn, and Dr. Wright. These inquiries revealed serious management failures, including the decision to label DNA samples as 'insufficient' instead of retesting them.

The latest reports released last week confirmed that the lab is still in crisis. The backlog of 13,000 cases includes 511 untested rape kits and DNA from 177 homicides. Dr. Wright warned that the lab was 'dirty,' still using outdated testing standards, and that samples from major crimes since 2023 may need to be retested.

The delays in the forensic system have had a severe impact on victims, the accused, and their families. Victims of sexual assault are waiting over a year for DNA results, far exceeding the ideal five-day turnaround. The Queensland Police standard is two weeks, but the lab now takes around 412 days to provide results.

Queensland's Victims Commissioner, Beck O'Connor, said the delays have caused immense trauma and stress for victims, making them feel 'forgotten.' She emphasized that these are not just numbers but real people whose lives have been affected.

Brett Thompson, who runs the Queensland Homicide Victim Support Group, said the delays create uncertainty for victims who are already traumatized. He warned that the delay in DNA results can lead to situations where the accused is released on bail, undermining the justice process.

The government has announced plans to overhaul the forensic lab, including outsourcing testing and investing millions to clear the backlog. However, victims like Shandee's family and others affected by these failures are calling for a more urgent and comprehensive solution.

As the system continues to face criticism, the case of Shandee Blackburn has become a catalyst for change. Her mother, Vicki Blackburn, remains determined to ensure that her daughter's death leads to a better justice system for all.

The story of Shandee Blackburn is not just about one young woman's life cut short. It is a powerful reminder of the failures in a system that is supposed to protect and serve. Her case has exposed the flaws in forensic science and sparked a much-needed reckoning. As the lab continues to face scrutiny, the hope is that this will lead to real change — for victims, for families, and for the justice system as a whole.