Jackson Stacker's death referred to homicide squad for investigation

Jackson Stacker, 25, was found dead near Byron Bay in 2021, with a coroner's report indicating he had been stabbed twice in the chest. The New South Wales coroner, Teresa O’Sullivan, stated that aspects of the early police investigation raised concerns and recommended that the case be referred to the homicide squad. Stacker's remains were discovered in a field near his abandoned campervan, which had been ransacked and left with the keys in the ignition.

O’Sullivan noted that a large hunting-style knife was found near Stacker's remains, but forensic pathologist Dr. Leah Clifton could not conclusively determine the cause of death due to decomposition. The coroner stated, "It is probable that Jackson was distressed or depressed in the days leading up to his death," but there was no evidence of suicide, such as a note. Stacker's family criticized the initial police response, arguing that it was slow due to premature assumptions about suicide. They expressed their belief that the circumstances surrounding his death warranted a thorough investigation.

The referral to the homicide squad indicates a shift in the investigation's trajectory, potentially allowing for a more rigorous examination of the evidence and any new leads. This development may provide the Stacker family with the answers they seek while placing pressure on law enforcement to address the perceived inadequacies of the initial inquiry. The case highlights the complexities of investigations involving young individuals in vulnerable situations, particularly in areas known for drug use and homelessness.

What to watch: The response from the homicide squad and any new findings that may emerge from their investigation into Jackson Stacker's death.