Australian police have released previously unseen photographs from the 2001 murder investigation of British backpacker Peter Falconio, 25 years after his disappearance. The images, published by Northern Territory Police, include crime scene shots and portraits of convicted killer Bradley Murdoch, who died in custody last year without revealing the location of Falconio’s remains.
New evidence in the Peter Falconio murder case
Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek on 14 July 2001. His body was never found. His girlfriend, Joanne Lees, escaped after being bound with cable ties and hid in scrubland for hours before flagging down a passing truck.
Among the newly released images are a full-length photo of Murdoch during the investigation, pictures of Lees’ injuries, and shots of the abandoned orange Volkswagen Kombi van the couple had been driving. Police hope the photos may trigger public memories that could lead to Falconio’s remains.
Murdoch’s conviction and unresolved questions
Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder in 2005 after a unanimous jury verdict. He was also found guilty of assaulting and attempting to kidnap Lees. Despite DNA evidence linking him to the crime, he maintained his innocence and died aged 67 in 2024 without disclosing where Falconio’s body was buried.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole stated that the case remains open until Falconio’s remains are found. A reward of up to A$500,000 is offered for information leading to their discovery. Police continue to pursue all available avenues, including reviewing bodycam footage of an interview with Murdoch a week before his death.
