South Australian detective Geoff Carson, who played a pivotal role in capturing outback murderer Bradley Murdoch, has shared his insights for the first time. In an exclusive interview with 9News, Carson recounted how he connected a mysterious man from the Riverland to the horrific crime that claimed the life of Peter Falconio. The retired officer opened up about his theories regarding the fate of Falconio’s body.
Carson, who once served as a small-town policeman, was integral in solving one of Australia’s most notorious mysteries. He reflects on how the early 2000s saw a surge of public interest surrounding the case, with many questioning how a crime so audacious could occur. The breakthrough in the investigation came from a phone call that drew Carson into a different case: a woman and her young daughter had been abducted by Murdoch, a terrifying incident that involved binding and gagging the victims.
During the statement-taking process, a crucial detail struck Carson. He noted a resemblance to the 2001 assault on British backpackers Falconio and Joanne Lees, who had also experienced a violent ambush on a remote highway, with the same type of cable ties used. This connection led Carson to scribble Falconio’s name in his notebook, provoking further investigation.
Following Murdoch’s arrest for the assaults in the Riverland, Carson reached out to Northern Territory police, asserting he had identified the suspect in Falconio’s case. However, authorities had initially dismissed Murdoch as a suspect. Undeterred, Carson collected DNA evidence from cigarette butts and milk cartons associated with Murdoch, which eventually resulted in a matching DNA profile leading to Murdoch’s arrest.
Although a jury did not find enough evidence to convict Murdoch for the Riverland rapes, law enforcement was ready when he was acquitted — they charged him for Falconio’s murder on the same day. Carson’s determination to solve the lingering mystery surrounding Falconio’s disappearance remains steadfast. He revealed a chilling comment from Murdoch about disposing of a body, suggesting it could be hidden in a flood mitigation grate, implying that Falconio’s remains may still be undiscovered.
The case remains open, with a recently increased reward of $500,000 for any information regarding Falconio’s whereabouts. “Anyone who has lost a loved one wants closure,” Carson remarked, emphasising the ongoing quest for peace for Falconio’s family, who continue to face uncertainty regarding his fate.