In brief
NT Police have released unseen photographs from the 2001 murder investigation of Peter Falconio near Barrow Creek, a case that remains unsolved as the body has never been found. The archive includes images of suspect Bradley Murdoch, victim Joanne Lees, the abandoned Volkswagen Kombi, and crime‑scene photos. NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole, marking the 25‑year milestone, urged the public to share any information, offering a reward of up to $500,000. Despite Murdoch’s death in 2025, the search for Falconio’s remains continues, with NT Police maintaining commitment to closure. The release follows a recent body‑cam footage showing Murdoch before he died.
Police in Australia have released previously unseen photographs from their investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 25 years ago.
Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot on a remote stretch of highway near the Northern Territory town of Barrow Creek, about 186 miles (300km) north of Alice Springs, on 14 July 2001.
His body has never been found. Police hope the images could jog memories that might lead to a tip‑off. The killer, Bradley Murdoch, died of throat cancer at age 67 last year, without disclosing where the remains might be.
Other photos show Joanne Lees looking traumatised hours after the attack, her wrists bound with cable ties, and the abandoned orange Volkswagen Kombi van that the couple had been driving. Crime‑scene pictures are also part of the release.
"25 years is a significant milestone. We hope the release of new images could jog memories or lead to a tip‑off." – Martin Dole, NT Police Commissioner
"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."
A body‑cam interview of Murdoch a week before his death was recently released by NT Police as an attempt to get him to reveal the location of the body.
Body‑cam footage has prompted renewed public interest.
NT Police remain committed to bringing the investigation to its fullest conclusion, offering a reward of up to A$500,000 for information leading to Falconio’s remains. The search continues, with the hope that new clues may finally provide closure for his family and the wider community."
