Mackay man charged with stabbing murder of Shandee Blackburn in 2013
A 32-year-old man has been charged with the stabbing murder of Mackay woman Shandee Blackburn in February 2013.
The Mackay man was arrested in Brisbane today and is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday.
Ms Blackburn, 23, was attacked early on Saturday morning on February 9, 2013, while walking home from work.
She was stabbed multiple times.
Earlier this year, the Queensland Government posted a $250,000 reward for information leading to an arrest over her death.
Detective Inspector Damien Hansen said the man arrested today was spoken to early in the investigation.
He has also been charged with robbery.
Ms Blackburn's mother, Vicki, said she found it hard to explain just how she felt when told by police about the development in her daughter's case.
"I don't think I can explain ... just the range of emotions that just go through your mind and your body," she said.
"You just take a deep breath and try to deal with it."
Mrs Blackburn also thanked the police and community for their work, help and support over the past 18 months.
"I can't express in words just how grateful I am for the resources and diligence for everyone involved both in police force and in the community.
"It's been inspiring for us to see that sort of response we've seen."
Detective Inspector Karyn Murphy said the arrest came after a drawn-out investigation by police from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch and the State Crime Command's Homicide Investigation Unit.
"I would like to thank the Crime and Corruption Commission which held a number of coercive hearings, which helped to gather and corroborate valuable evidence," she said.
"I would further like to thank the members of the public who have continued to provide information that has been invaluable to this investigation.
"This is just the next step in a lengthy process and our thoughts are with the Blackburn family."
Detective Inspector Murphy said it has been one of the biggest police operations in Mackay in years.
"Obviously this terrible offence has had a huge impact on them, and today we can give them some positive news that an arrest has been made.
