Shandee Blackburn was brutally murdered as she walked home from work - but this cold-case can still be solved. Gold Walkley-winning journalist Hedley Thomas - who created The Teacher’s Pet and The Night Driver - goes deep to find out who killed Shandee, and why.
Episodes of the podcast first, plus exclusive stories, videos, pictures and extraordinary evidence are available with a subscription through The Australian's app, or at shandee.com.au
To contact Hedley Thomas anonymously with any information on Shandee's Story email here - Shandee@theaustralian.com.au
Shandee Blackburn was only 23 years old when an unknown attacker killed her on her way home from work. Shandee's Story is a podcast investigating her still unsolved death. The podcast explores the 2013 killing, which happened in Mackay, Queensland, Australia. It examines the inquiry and explores what might have gone wrong. Journalist Hedley Thomas hosts this investigation into Shandee's death. The podcast also explores the reopening of the case in 2022. It seeks to uncover why justice still hasn't happened.
Police arrested Shandee's former boyfriend, John Peros, following her murder. Despite evidence linking him to the crime, a court acquitted him. Police questioned another suspect, William Daniel. Some claimed that problems occurred at the DNA testing lab. They feel this allowed the killer to escape justice. This podcast series investigates these critical points in the murder investigation.
The podcast asks whether the DNA evidence presented at trial is trustworthy. Episodes assess the evidence and speak to people involved in the investigation. Interviewees include scientists, lab employees, and lawyers. Guests give their versions of events based on the evidence. Hedley compiles all their stories into a detailed narrative of Shandee's tragic death.
Following the release of Shandee's Story in 2021, the case gained renewed interest. Podcast producer The Australian then released a followup series called "Shandee's Legacy." These episodes investigate the 2022 public inquiry. Journalists David Murray, Claire Harvey, and Matthew Condon host these episodes with Hedley. They discuss the new court case and ask whether it's any closer to serving justice for Shandee.
Hedley is an award-winning investigative journalist. He has won eight prestigious Walkley Awards for his work in Australian journalism. He is The Australian's national chief correspondent. His work specializes in legal issues and politics. His 2018 podcast, The Teacher's Pet, is another of his notable works. It explores the 1982 murder of Lynette Dawson.
Fans of true crime podcasts may enjoy Shandee's Story. Episodes are about two hours in length.
Episodes