Coroner Refers Byron Backpacker’s Death to Homicide Squad
A NSW coroner has recommended the 2021 death of Jackson Stacker, whose body was found 40 kms north of Byron Bay, be referred to the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Squad after finding the case could not be conclusively ruled a suicide.
On August 25, 2021, 25-year-old Jackson Stacker was found dead in a cow paddock with a hunting knife in his chest.
Exposed to the elements for about a month, the remains were skeletal, and scattered.
Stacker’s scalp and dreadlocks were 14 metres from the body, he was missing teeth, his boots were further away.
The police believe the carefree man likely died by suicide.
State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said she was unable to make formal findings on the manner or cause of his death because of the condition of his remains and the limits that placed on forensic testing.
Coroner unable to rule on cause of death
Delivering findings in the NSW Coroner’s Court at Lidcombe on Thursday, Coroner O’Sullivan said there was no evidence the knife found in Mr Stacker’s chest belonged to him, and police had been unable to determine where it came from.
She said that could form part of the primary evidence of homicide.
The coroner found Mr Stacker died some time between July 22 and August 25, 2021.
The court heard forensic evidence could not establish whether the knife wound was self-inflicted or caused by another person.
The inquest also heard Mr Stacker had been upset when seen by a friend in Byron Bay shortly before his death.
Coroner O’Sullivan said his drug use appeared to have escalated in the weeks before he died and it was probable he was distressed or depressed, but he had no history of self-harm and it could not be positively confirmed that he took his own life.
She also noted the court had heard investigations into claims Mr Stacker had been associating with dangerous people before his death were unable to identify any such people.
The coroner said there was no evidence anyone wanted to harm him.
Questions over early police response
The inquest also examined whether there had been inadequacies in the initial police response, particularly after the death was first regarded as a suicide. Coroner O’Sullivan said she was unable to find the investigation was inadequate.
However, she found it would have been appropriate to refer the case to the homicide squad and said there was insufficient explanation for the delay in establishing a strike force.
Family says recommendation brings hope
Jackon Stacker’s van was found at the Sleepy Hollow rest stop, 120 metres from where his body was discovered.
(Image: facebook)
(Main Image: Jackson Stacker – ABC News )
Mr Stacker’s mother, Sandra MacFarlane, told the ABC the family felt validated by the coroner’s recommendation after years of pushing for the death not to be treated as suicide.
She said the family had gathered its own evidence and wanted to pass it on to police.
“Our focus is to ensure that the truth is fully examined and that no stone is left unturned,” Ms MacFarlane said.
“We will continue to search, whatever the outcome, for justice for Jackson.”
The recommendation means the case should now be assessed by the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Squad under its standard procedures, with the family hoping fresh scrutiny may help answer questions that have remained unresolved since 2021.
