Posted on 08/09/2025 2:50:02 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Just after midnight 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.
The police investigation led to charges and a subsequent trial in 2017, but the accused was acquitted by a jury.
In 2020, a coronial inquest identified Shandee's killer. However, no-one has ever been found criminally responsible for her brutal murder.
A young girl wearing a colourful dress with a rainbox lorekeet on her arm No-one has ever been found criminally responsible for Shandee Blackburn's brutal murder. (ABC Tropical North: Melissa Maddison)
A year after the coronial findings, investigative journalist Hedley Thomas from The Australian released the first episode of 'Shandee's Story', a podcast dedicated to the case.
Mr Thomas enlisted the help of independent forensic biologist Dr Kirsty Wright, who re-examined the forensic files.
What she uncovered would launch multiple inquiries, cast doubt on thousands of criminal cases, and reveal a forensic system is in crisis.
In her examination of the Shandee Blackburn files, Dr Wright found "critical errors" by Queensland's forensics lab may have prevented her killer from being identified.
A man and two women pictured leaving Brisbane Magistrates Court Dr Kirsty Wright, pictured with Hedley Thomas and Shandee Blackburn's mother, Vicki. (AAP image: Darren England)
Describing the case as a "forensic train wreck", Dr Wright told the media the lab had made 17 errors in testing samples from Shandee's clothing — when just one is considered "inexcusable".
"I don't believe other cases may have been spared these issues … and what we're seeing with Shandee's case may be the tip of a very large iceberg." Do you know more about this story or have you been impacted by the DNA delays? We want to hear from you
The iceberg revealed At the urging of Dr Wright and Shandee's mum, Vicki Blackburn, two commissions of inquiry were held in 2022 and 2023 looking into the lab's failings.
They revealed serious errors by management, including a decision not to test DNA samples below a certain threshold, instead labelling them "insufficient".
This was despite the fact a DNA sample could in fact be obtained through further testing.
A worker dressed in medical scrubs, viewed through a glass door that features an outline in the shape of a DNA strand. Two reports released last week shed light on the crisis at Queensland's forensic lab. (ABC News: Stephen Cavenagh)
It meant years of samples relating to thousands of cases — including rape and murder — would need to be retested.
All major cases since 2015 would need to be reviewed, and all sexual assault cases since 2008. In total, more than 30,000.
It heaped work on forensics staff, who were already "highly fragmented", according to the report, and dealing with a "toxic" and "negative culture".
Little wonder that when two new reports into the lab were released last week, the problems have not gone away.
A sign reads "Forensic Science Queensland". Reports into the state's forensic lab have found a backlog of 13,000 cases to be dealt with. (ABC News)
A system at the point of critical failure The two latest reports — compiled by Dr Wright and former FBI expert Bruce Budowle — found a lab in "sustained crisis": unhappy, understaffed, overworked, and still making mistakes.
Years after Shandee Blackburn's death, her mum is still fighting for justice Photo shows A blonde woman of middle age, wearing glasses and a light-coloured linen dress, looking sad as she stands on a balcony.A blonde woman of middle age, wearing glasses and a light-coloured linen dress, looking sad as she stands on a balcony. Shandee Blackburn's mother has endured the worst pain imaginable, but she is determined to make sure something positive comes from it.
There was still a backlog of 13,000 cases to deal with, including 511 untested rape kits, and DNA relating to 177 homicides and 343 upper court cases.
Dr Wright found rape victims were waiting more than a year for the lab to test kits, when she said it should happen "ideally within five days".
She was alarmed to find the lab was "dirty", and was still using incorrect testing standards, which means samples from major crimes since 2023 will again need to be retested.
She described the management of the lab as "one of the greatest failures of a justice system in the world", and recommended the Queensland government outsource testing.
Specialist equipment resting on a workbench. The lab was the subject of two commissions of inquiry in 2022 and 2023, which found evidence may have been compromised. (ABC News)
What does this all mean? It now takes around 412 days for the forensics lab to provide DNA results relating to major crimes — an increase in wait times since 2023.
The Queensland Police standard is two weeks.
Because the courts require the evidence to be presented to both sides before a trial can proceed, the state's justice system is regularly brought to a standstill — leaving victims, the accused, and their respective families in agonising limbo.
"Delays mean more trauma, more stress, and often the feeling that they've been forgotten, or what's happened to them is not a priority," Queensland's Victims Commissioner Beck O'Connor said.
Beck O'Connor wears a black dress and colourful earrings. Beck O'Connor says victims affected by the forensic backlog feel like they've been "forgotten". (ABC News: Mark Leonardi)
In Dr Wright's report, she noted that one of the groups most affected by the delays in testing rape kits were children and those with an impairment.
Victims who were "likely to be familiar with their offender".
Commissioner O'Connor said she was horrified at the thought delays in testing may have resulted in victims being subjected to further assault, and perhaps an escalation in violence.
"I think the thing that concerns me the most is the scale of these failings is almost impossible to overstate," she said. "These aren't just numbers in a report. These are people, people who did everything right. They came forward, they trusted the process and they continue to be failed."
'That's someone's life' Brett Thompson runs the Queensland Homicide Victim Support Group, which includes around 1,100 friends and family of those who have been killed.
They help people get through the justice process, which typically takes between two and three years.
Brett Thompson standing on a driveway Brett Thompson says delays with forensics can cause uncertainty for victims who have already been traumatised. (ABC News: Kristian Silva)
He said delays often come down to DNA, and they can have serious consequences.
"We've seen instances where the alleged offender is incarcerated … but then applies for bail and is granted bail based on the time it's taken to get this information that is holding up a court case."
The news that samples may have again been compromised by improper testing methods has hit the group hard.
Mr Thompson said a lot of people were now very anxious about what it might mean for their case.
"Is the person who is sentenced and in jail for murder, are they going to use this as a reason to appeal and we're going to be dragged back through the court?
"Uncertainty for people who are already traumatised is the exact opposite of what they're looking for. They want some form of normality."
DNA lab 'dirty' despite two inquiries, report finds Photo shows A worker dressed in medical scrubs, viewed through a glass door that features an outline in the shape of a DNA strand.A worker dressed in medical scrubs, viewed through a glass door that features an outline in the shape of a DNA strand. An investigation has found failures at Queensland's forensics lab are leading to years-long delays in the justice system.
After so many inquiries and reports, Mr Thompson said it was unacceptable the lab — a crucial part of the justice system — was still plagued by problems.
"Put a sign on the back of door saying, 'What if this DNA test right here in front of me was my family member'.
"I think that would change the motivation around how important every single test that's going through there is.
"That's someone's life." Accused also victims of delay The questions around the accuracy of DNA results will also have consequences for those accused and convicted of crimes.
Queensland recently expanded its exemptions to double jeopardy laws, which previously only applied to murder, to allow for appeals in cases involving rape and manslaughter based on "fresh and compelling evidence".
Inside the Queensland government's DNA testing lab. It now takes around 412 days for the forensics lab to provide DNA results relating to major crimes — an increase in wait times since 2023.
At the time, the attorney-general said the new exemptions were necessary to "ensure Queenslanders continue to have confidence in our criminal justice system", and "safeguard the state against unjust acquittals and wrongful convictions" in light of the failures at the forensics lab.
Toxic culture at Qld's forensics lab laid bare in second damning report Photo shows A sign reads "Forensic Science Queensland".A sign reads "Forensic Science Queensland". It's the second damning report into Queensland's state-run forensics lab to be released in as many days.
Klaire Coles from the Caxton Legal Centre in Brisbane said for those yet to face trial, the delay in producing evidence means they are left languishing in remand centres.
"They haven't been found guilty of an offence, and that can significantly impact their lives, their families, and their ability to work and contribute to society," she said.
"There are many reports which indicate that people who are trapped in those systems are the most vulnerable."
Failures must be confronted Victims Commissioner Beck O'Connor said trust in Queensland's justice system had been "shaken".
"Some victims have told us they wouldn't report again," Ms O'Connor said.
"Doubt can reopen wounds and undo years of recovery."
The government has announced a new expert team to overhaul the forensics lab, and millions of dollars to outsource the testing of the many thousands of samples still backlogged.
Vicki Blackburn stands on her balcony overlooking Mackay. Families like Shandee Blackburn's need to be heard. (ABC Tropical North: Hannah Walsh)
But Ms O'Connor said it is the victims of these failures, including families like Shandee Blackburn's, who need to be heard.
"Victim survivors have carried this for years and will continue to carry this for years.
There are warehouses filled with untested rape kits in MD. They are finally doing some, but still are way behind. DC claims to have caught up, but they’re still reeling from their loss of accreditation and were only completely re-certified this year.
“ Maryland Is on Track to Process a Nearly 50-Year-Old Backlog of Rape Kits”
https://www.propublica.org/article/maryland-moves-to-process-rape-kits-backlog
and then there’s the current forensic chaos in Democrat-controlled Colorado:
In recent years, Colorado has faced several significant events involving forensic science and disaster response. One major issue was the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) forensic science scandal, where a former CBI analyst, Yvonne “Missy” Woods, was accused of manipulating DNA evidence in over 1,000 criminal cases. This led to a reevaluation of forensic procedures, including a recommendation to separate forensic services from law enforcement.
Additionally, a separate incident involved the discovery of over 115 improperly stored bodies at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, prompting a state of emergency declaration.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. CBI Forensic Science Scandal:
Yvonne “Missy” Woods’ Actions:
Woods, a former CBI DNA analyst, was accused of falsifying or manipulating DNA evidence in criminal cases, potentially affecting over 1,000 cases.
Consequences:
This led to a widespread review of CBI’s forensic procedures, including retesting DNA samples in affected cases. It also led to a bill to address the backlog and wrongful misconduct by crime lab workers, which is now headed to the governor’s desk.
Financial Implications:
The scandal is estimated to cost the state millions in retesting and reviewing convictions.
Impact on Criminal Justice:
The scandal has impacted hundreds of criminal cases, potentially leading to overturned convictions and plea deals.
Separate Incident:
The CBI investigation also identified potential evidence manipulation at the Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Laboratory, which has been referred to the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.
2. Return to Nature Funeral Home Incident:
Penrose Funeral Home:
In October 2023, the discovery of over 115 improperly stored bodies at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose led to a state of emergency declaration.
Investigation:
The incident is under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office.
Months-Long Identification Process:
Due to the condition of the remains, the identification process is expected to take months.
There are only three possibilities:
1. Insufficient budgeting to support the forensic team,
2. Incompetent chain of command,
3. Corrupt politicians/DEI,
But likely all three
So, it’s not like TV where they rush results in 24 hours?
As always, follow the money. You will find bales of it wasted.
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