logo
Peter Falconio's killer did not disclose location of body before dying

Peter Falconio's killer did not disclose location of body before dying

Independent16-07-2025
The killer of British backpacker Peter Falconio did not reveal where the remains of his victim are prior to his death, according to police in Australia.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted in 2005 of murdering Mr Falconio, 28, and assaulting his girlfriend Joanne Lees at gunpoint on a remote stretch of road near Barrow Creek in Australia's Northern Territory on July 14 2001.
Mr Falconio and Ms Lees, both from Yorkshire, were travelling across the country in a camper van when they were ambushed by Murdoch on the Stuart Highway, an isolated road that runs through the centre of Australia.
Murdoch was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for at least 28 years.
Murdoch, 67, was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019 and was moved to palliative care from Alice Springs Correctional Centre last month, according to local media reports.
The Northern Territory Department of Corrections confirmed that Murdoch died in hospital in Alice Springs.
A spokesperson said: 'The death will be subject to investigation by the Northern Territory Coroner.
'No further comment at this time.'
Northern Territory Police Force said Murdoch did not provide any fresh information about the location of Mr Falconio's body prior to his death.
In a statement the force said: 'The Northern Territory Police Force acknowledges the death of Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted of the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio near Barrow Creek.
'It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch has died without, as far as we are aware, ever disclosing the location of Peter Falconio's remains.
'His silence has denied the Falconio family the closure they have so long deserved.
'Our thoughts are with the Falconio family in the United Kingdom, whose grief continues.'
The statement continued: 'The Northern Territory Police Force remains committed to resolving this final piece of the investigation.
'We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that could lead us to Peter Falconio's remains to come forward, no matter how small the detail may seem.
'A reward of up to 500,000 Australia dollars (£243,650) is available to anyone providing information that leads to the discovery of Peter Falconio's remains.'
Mr Falconio and Ms Lees had been driving near the tiny settlement of Barrow Creek, around 188 miles north of Alice Springs, when Murdoch pulled up beside them claiming to have seen sparks coming from their van.
He shot Mr Falconio in the head as he inspected the vehicle, before forcing Ms Lees into his vehicle and binding her wrists with cable ties.
She managed to escape, hiding in the Outback for hours before flagging down a passing truck.
During the trial, prosecutors argued that Murdoch was likely to have disposed of the backpacker's body somewhere in the vast, remote expanse of desert between Alice Springs and Broome, covering more than 1,200 miles.
Despite repeated searches, Mr Falconio's body has never been found.
Ms Lees, who returned to the UK, told Australian current affairs programme 60 Minutes in 2017 that she still wanted to 'bring him home'.
'Pete lost his life on that night, but I lost mine too,' she said at the time.
'I'll never be fully at peace if Pete's not found, but I accept that that is a possibility.'
Murdoch lodged several unsuccessful appeals over the years, with Australia's highest court refusing to hear his case in 2007.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Man, 31, arrested on suspicion of murder after quadruple stabbing that killed two men at London business
Man, 31, arrested on suspicion of murder after quadruple stabbing that killed two men at London business

Daily Mail​

time35 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Man, 31, arrested on suspicion of murder after quadruple stabbing that killed two men at London business

A man aged 31 has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two people were killed in a quadruple stabbing at a London business. The Metropolitan Police announced the charges faced by a man from Hackney, east London, who had initially been detained following Monday's attacks in Southwark. He remains in hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening, Scotland Yard said today. Emergency services were called to Long Lane in Bermondsey at about 1pm on Monday following reports of multiple stabbings inside a commercial address. A 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and a 27-year-old man later died in hospital. Two other men, both in their 30s, were also taken to hospital. The Metropolitan Police said the attack was not being treated as terror-related. The stabbings are understood to have taken place near consultancy firm Prospira Global and housing provider Trademark Homes. A resident, who asked not to be named, told the PA news agency: 'It's terrifying. 'I walk past there all the time - it makes you feel really uneasy. 'You just don't expect something like this to happen on a normal weekday.' Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation. Det Chief Supt Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said today: 'Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and friends of the victims of this tragic incident. 'Our investigation continues at pace and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances. 'I understand there may be concern in the local community and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. I would also encourage anyone who may be worried to speak to an officer.' A crime scene remains in place and officers continue to investigate the circumstances. The stabbings are understood to have taken place near consultancy firm Prospira Global and housing provider Trademark Homes Police said they were aware of speculation the arrested man was staying at a nearby hotel but that this was not the case. Natasha Ennin, Southwark Council's cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, said she was 'horrified and deeply saddened' by the deaths in the borough. She added that her 'heartfelt condolences' went out to the families and friends of those involved and called on anyone with information to report it. Anyone with information can also call 101, report online or contact 'X'@METCC and quote CAD3499/28.

Man denies murder over stepmother's death in Bradford
Man denies murder over stepmother's death in Bradford

BBC News

time37 minutes ago

  • BBC News

Man denies murder over stepmother's death in Bradford

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his stepmother almost two years Sami, 22, of Mannheim Road, Bradford, is charged with murdering Rizwana Kauser, who died in hospital on 17 August Kauser, who was 42, was found unconscious at an address on Kensington Street two days before she at Bradford Crown Court via video link Mr Sami was told his trial would begin on the 23 February 2026 and a further pre-trial hearing would take place on 21 October. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store