Police in the Northern Territory have published a new batch of images tied to one of Australia’s most infamous murder cases, as investigators make another appeal for information that could help them find the remains of British backpacker Peter Falconio.
Tuesday 14 July marks 25 years since Falconio, aged 28, was killed on an isolated section of the Stuart Highway while travelling through the Outback with his girlfriend, Joanna Lees.
Bradley John Murdoch was found guilty of Falconio’s murder in 2005 and given a life sentence. However, he took the secret of the body’s location to his grave, dying in prison on July 15, 2025, without ever disclosing where Falconio’s remains had been left.
In a renewed effort to generate leads, Northern Territory Police have issued previously unpublished photographs from the investigation, alongside a fresh reminder that a reward of up to $500,000 remains available for information that directly leads to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
Among the images released is a photo showing a “stunned-looking” Lees taken shortly after she escaped Murdoch. Police have also shared a custody-style image of Murdoch looking straight into the camera.
The newly released material also includes photographs of the couple’s orange Kombi van, injuries suffered by Lees during the attack, and numbered evidence markers positioned around what appears to be a dark stain on the road surface.
On the night Falconio was killed, he and Lees were heading north on the Stuart Highway toward Devils Marbles when Murdoch motioned for them to stop, telling them sparks were coming from their vehicle.
Investigators said Murdoch had been trailing the pair in a Toyota Land Cruiser after they departed Barrow Creek.
After Falconio stepped out of the van to check the supposed problem, Murdoch shot him dead. Lees was then restrained with cable ties during an attempted abduction, but she escaped, hid in nearby scrub, and later signaled down a passing road train to get help.
Murdoch then left the scene, dumped Falconio’s body somewhere in the Outback, and continued on toward Broome. He was later arrested in August 2002.
Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole said the investigation cannot truly be finished until Falconio’s remains are recovered and his family can bury him.
“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.
Dole said Murdoch’s refusal to reveal the location before his death had robbed Falconio’s loved ones of the “closure they deserve” and branded that silence “cowardly”.
He also said detectives believe there may still be people with information capable of advancing the case, even if they do not realise how important it could be.
“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,” Dole said.
“No piece of information is too small; what may seem insignificant could prove critical in helping investigators finally resolve this case.”
The reward for information that directly leads to the discovery of Falconio’s remains was increased last year from $250,000 to $500,000, and it remains on offer.
Police said the 25th anniversary is an important moment to renew their appeal, with investigators still hoping that someone, somewhere, may finally come forward with the detail needed to bring the case to a close.