Today marks 25 years since Peter Falconio was murdered in the remote Northern Territory while on a backpacking holiday through Australia with his partner Joanne Lees.
On the evening of 14 July 2001, as the couple travelled north along the Stuart Highway towards Devils Marbles, they were signalled to pullover by Bradley John Murdoch who claimed there were sparks coming from their now infamous orange Volkswagen Kombi van. Murdoch had been following the pair in his Toyota Land Cruiser since they left Barrow Creek.
When Peter exited the vehicle, he was fatally shot by Murdoch. Ms Lees was bound with cable ties by Murdoch in an attempted kidnapping; however, she managed to escape and hide in nearby scrubland before flagging down a passing road train for help. Murdoch fled the scene and disposed of Peter’s body somewhere in the Australian outback as he travelled to Broome.
In what became one of the most defining investigations in the Northern Territory Police Force’s history, Murdoch was identified as the offender and arrested in August 2002. Following a high-profile trial, he was convicted of Peter’s murder and the attempted kidnapping of Ms Lees in December 2005. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Despite years of investigation, repeated public appeals and every opportunity to do so, Murdoch died in custody in July 2025 without ever revealing the location of Peter’s remains. A large-scale search utilising extensive police resources was conducted in the aftermath of the murder and searches have continued in the 25 years since, including as recently as last year.
Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole APM said his thoughts remained with the Falconio family and Joanne Lees whose loss and uncertainty continue to be felt 25 years on.
“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,” Commissioner Dole APM 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.
“It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch died without, as far as we know, ever disclosing the location of Peter’s remains. His cowardly silence has denied his family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserve.
“Twenty-five years is a significant milestone, and the Northern Territory Police Force remains committed to bringing this investigation to its fullest conclusion and will continue to pursue every avenue available.
“For many investigators, this case has spanned decades of their policing careers. Their commitment to finding Peter and delivering answers to his family has never wavered.
“The release of new footage could lead police to Peter’s remains.
“There may still be someone who knows something, whether that be information they have never previously shared with police or something Murdoch said to them. We continue to urge anyone with information relating to the location of Peter Falconio’s remains to come forward. No piece of information is too small; what may seem insignificant could prove critical in helping investigators finally resolve this case.”
An initial reward of $250,000 was increased last year to $500,000 in the hope that someone with information that leads directly to the discovery of Peter Falconio’s remains comes forward.
You can contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
