NT Police release unseen Falconio investigation photos at 25-year mark

Northern Territory Police have released a tranche of previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, marking the 25th anniversary of the crime. The images, which include scenes from the crime scene and portraits of the convicted killer Bradley Murdoch, are intended to jog memories and assist in locating Falconio’s remains, which have never been found.

Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot in the head on 14 July 2001 on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek, approximately 300km north of Alice Springs. His girlfriend, Joanne Lees, escaped from Murdoch by hiding in scrubland for several hours before flagging down two men in a truck. Murdoch was convicted in December 2005 of Falconio’s murder, and the assault and attempted kidnap of Lees, following a unanimous jury verdict.

The released photographs include a full-length image of Murdoch staring at a camera during the investigation, as well as images showing Lees looking traumatised in the hours after the attack. Additional photos depict injuries she sustained, including those from cable ties used to bind her wrists, and the orange Volkswagen Kombi van driven by the couple, which was found abandoned near the highway.

Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole described Murdoch’s failure to disclose the location of the remains as a "cowardly silence" that denied closure to the family. Murdoch died of throat cancer in jail last year at the age of 67, without ever revealing where Falconio’s remains are located. Police recently released bodycam footage of an interview with Murdoch conducted a week before his death, in which they attempted to elicit the location of the body.

"This was a traumatic and horrific event for Ms Lees, and for Peter's family, who have now gone such a long time without the answers they deserve," Dole said. "While a murderer has been held accountable for his crimes, this investigation can never be considered closed until Peter's remains are found and his family can lay him to rest."

Murdoch maintained his innocence despite DNA evidence linking him to the crime and unsuccessfully appealed his convictions twice. The case has been described as a "mysterious outback murder that shook Australia." A reward of up to A$500,000 remains available for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.

NT Police stated they remained "committed to bringing this investigation to its fullest conclusion" and would "continue to pursue every avenue available." Commissioner Dole noted that 25 years was a "significant milestone" and expressed hope that the release of new images could lead to a tip-off.