The tragic murder mystery of British backpacker Peter Falconio has continued to capture the Australian public’s attention since the 2001 incident in the outback. The convicted killer, Bradley Murdoch, now facing terminal throat cancer, remains in palliative care in Alice Springs. Despite the impending end of his life, Murdoch has not revealed the whereabouts of Falconio’s body.
The horrifying event unfolded when Murdoch ambushed Falconio and his partner, Joanne Lees, during their travels on a remote Northern Territory highway. After shooting Falconio, Murdoch bound Lees, who remarkably managed to escape and hide for five hours in the bush. During the ordeal, she pleaded with him, asking if he intended to harm her for money.
Initially, her account faced skepticism, and even the police investigating the case had doubts. However, DNA evidence ultimately convicted Murdoch, linking him to blood found on Lees’ shirt and personal items he had taken from her. He was sentenced to 28 years in prison, but despite extensive investigations, Falconio’s remains have never been recovered.
In a heartfelt interview, Lees reflected on her lost love, speaking of Falconio’s adventurous spirit and expressing her desire to bring him home. As Murdoch’s health declines, police have renewed calls for information on Falconio’s body, increasing the reward from $250,000 to $500,000. Northern Territory Police Commander Mark Grieve emphasised the ongoing commitment to the case, reflecting on its impact on the nation.
Despite the heightened reward and renewed appeals, the likelihood of a confession from Murdoch before his death appears slim. With only Murdoch holding the key to Falconio’s final resting place, it seems the truth may ultimately remain buried with him.