In brief
Twenty‑five years after the shocking murder of UK backpacker Peter Falconio in the Australian outback, Northern Territory Police have released a new set of photographs taken during their original investigation. The images include a full‑length shot of the convicted killer, Bradley Murdoch, and photographs of victim Joanne Lees in the aftermath of the attack. Police chief Martin Dole hopes the fresh visual evidence will jog memories or bring in new tips that could locate Falconio’s remains, for which a reward of up to A$500,000 is available. The release follows the recent body‑cam footage showing Murdoch being questioned shortly before his death, underscoring the case’s unresolved status. A determination to keep the investigation open remains a priority for law‑enforcement officials.
Police in Australia have released previously unseen photographs from their investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 25 years ago.
Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot on a remote stretch of highway near the Northern Territory town of Barrow Creek, about 186 miles (300 km) north of Alice Springs on 14 July 2001. His body has never been found and police hope the images could jog memories that might lead to a tip‑off.
The images include a full‑length picture of Bradley Murdoch staring straight at a camera during the police investigation and a series of shots that show Joanne Lees traumatized in the hours after the attack. The pictures also portray injuries she sustained, including her wrists bound with cable ties.
Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole said the 25‑year anniversary was a “significant milestone” and urged new tips that could finally locate Falconio’s remains. “While a murderer has been held accountable, this investigation can never be considered closed until Peter’s remains are found,” he said.
A few days ago NT Police released body‑cam footage of an interview with Murdoch a week before his death, pleading with him to reveal the location of Falconio’s body. “His cowardly silence has denied his family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserve,” Dole said. NT Police remain committed to concluding the investigation and will continue to pursue every avenue available.
A reward of up to A$500,000 is on offer for any information that leads to the discovery of Peter Falconio’s remains.
