Police Release New Images to Close 25-Year-Old Murder Case
Australian authorities have published previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the shooting death of British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001.
Falconio, 28, was found shot on a remote stretch of highway near Barrow Creek, about 186 miles (300 km) north of Alice Springs on 14 July 2001. The victim’s body has never been located, leaving the family and the wider community in mourning.
The images include a full-length portrait of the convicted killer Bradley Murdoch, a photograph of the crime scene, an abandoned orange Volkswagen Kombi van used by the victim and his girlfriend, and several shot of Joanne Lees, who survived the attack and was bound in her wrists.
NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said releasing the photos “could jog memories or lead to a tip‑off” that may finally lead to Falconio’s remains. He added that the case could never be considered closed until the body is found and the family can lay him to rest.
In addition to the images, the police released bodycam footage of an interview with Murdoch a week before his death, in an attempt to have him disclose the location of Falconio’s body. Dole expressed deep regret that the killer died without revealing the body’s whereabouts.
NT Police remains committed to “bringing the investigation to its fullest conclusion” and are offering a reward of up to $500,000 for any information that leads to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
The case remains open and anyone with information is urged to come forward to help bring closure to Falconio’s family and the communities affected.
