Coroner to hold inquest into the death of notorious backpacker killer Bradley Murdoch
It has been announced that a formal investigation will be launched into the death of one of Australia’s most notorious murderers.
Convicted murderer Bradley Murdoch died in custody on July 15 last year while serving a life sentence for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio near Barrow Creek in 2001.
Police said Murdoch died without ever disclosing the location of Mr. Falconio’s remains; This silence prevented the British man’s family from making any statement about his death.
Mr Falconio was traveling with his girlfriend Joanne Lees in his Kombi van along the Sturt Highway in the Northern Territory when Murdoch stood next to them in a car and motioned for them to pull over.
When the Kombi van stopped, Murdoch shot Mr Falconio in the head.
He then attempted to abduct Ms Lees by dragging her from the vehicle, holding her wrists with cable ties and forcing her into the back of his car.
When Murdoch returned to his vehicle, Ms Lees fled and hid in nearby bushes for hours before stopping a passing motorist.
Murdoch was convicted of murder in December 2005 and sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 28 years.
He lost two appeals against his conviction.
Police remained determined to locate Mr. Falconio’s remains and offered a reward of up to $500,000.
The coroner will hold a one-day inquest into Murdoch’s death at Alice Springs Local Court on March 18.
