Police hope new photos will help find remains of British backpacker Peter Falconio 25 years after infamous murder | Northern Territory
Northern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes to reveal several previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted kidnap of his girlfriend Joanne Lees.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of the outback disappearance that still resonates as one of Australia’s most horrific and culturally defining crimes. It also holds unanswered questions for Falconio’s family.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of the 28-year-old’s murder, but died on July 15, 2025, without admitting what he had done or revealing the location of Falconio’s remains.
In a bid to revive the case, NT police released images, including footage of Lees looking dazed in the hours after he encountered Murdoch on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway on that fateful evening on July 14, 2001.
He narrowly managed to escape from her, and in doing so probably saved his own life.
Another shows Murdoch looking at the camera, photographed by police.
Footage of police officers’ final efforts to persuade Murdoch to reveal the whereabouts of Falconio’s body has previously been released.
The jailed killer has denied any knowledge or knowledge of the death.
Other images released by police include the orange Kombi van in which the young couple were traveling and the cuts and scrapes Lees received during his ordeal.
In another photo, evidence markers on the side of a deserted highway appear to mark a dark red stain on the rough tar.
NT Police commissioner Martin Dole said although Murdoch was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, the investigation into Falconio’s murder would remain open until his body was found.
“This was a traumatic and horrific incident for Ms Lees and Peter’s family, who have long gone without the answers they deserve,” he said.
“It is extremely regrettable that Murdoch died without disclosing the location of Peter’s remains to the best of our knowledge.
“His cowardly silence denied (Mr. Falconio’s) family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserved.
“Twenty-five years is a significant milestone and the Northern Territory Police Force remains committed to bringing this investigation to its full conclusion and will continue to pursue every avenue possible.”
A reward of $500,000 will be offered for information leading directly to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
Police believe Murdoch may have confessed his actions to someone such as a family member or friend at some point, although he has publicly denied involvement.
“There may still be someone out there who knows something, whether it’s information they haven’t previously shared with the police or something Murdoch told them,” Dole said.
“No piece of information is too small; something seemingly insignificant could be critical in helping investigators finally solve this case.”
