THE ROWE FAMILY MASSACRE

Chantelle Rowe and her parents Andrew and Rose were murdered by a man who was infatuated.

On November 8, 2010, 18-year old Jason Downie broke into the house of Chantelle Rowe, a girl dating his friend, and one he was completely infatuated with.

What followed was a deeply traumatic family massacre which Downie still appears to show no remorse for.

Woken by the intruder, Chantelle’s father, Andrew Rowe, was attacked and stabbed 29 times. Her mother, Rose, was stabbed around 50 times and, after witnessing her parents die and hiding under her bed, 16-year-old Chantelle became the focus of Downie’s attention. She too was stabbed to death and then raped while she lay dying.

Following the attack Downie removed her damaged clothing and re-dressed her in clean clothes.

The resulting crime scene was described as blood-soaked and even veteran police officers attending were left distraught and traumatised.

‘It was among the most harrowing cases I’ve ever covered,’ Sean admits. ‘For a 90lb [41kg] weakling to commit such carnage to such lovely people is heartbreaking.’

For Downie there was no apparent reason for his murderous behaviour. No abuse or disturbing childhood.

‘He was a selfish young man,’ Sean says. ‘He felt entitled and when he couldn’t get what he wanted, he snapped.’

Downie was arrested just over a week later and pleaded guilty to three counts of murder. He is serving a 35-year prison sentence for the triple murder.

The Rowe family, including Chantelle’s brother Christopher, who had been on holiday in Queensland at the time of the killings, listened to the harrowing details in court during sentencing.

‘I have so much praise for Christopher,’ Sean says sadly. ‘He has shown so much bravery pulling his life together.’