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Monday 23/02/2026

Outback Killer Bradley Murdoch Dies, Leaving Peter Falconio's Fate a Mystery

Remote highway in outback landscape under a somber sky
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Bradley Murdoch, convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, has died from throat cancer at age 67.
  • Murdoch never disclosed the location of Falconio's body, leaving the case unresolved and the family without closure.
  • The murder, which partly inspired the film "Wolf Creek," occurred near Barrow Creek, Northern Territory.
  • Northern Territory police continue to offer a reward of up to A$500,000 for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.
  • Murdoch maintained his innocence until his death, despite being convicted in 2005 and serving a life sentence.

Bradley Murdoch, the man convicted of the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, has died at the age of 67 from throat cancer. Murdoch passed away in the palliative care unit of Alice Springs Hospital, Northern Territory, on July 15, just a day after the 24th anniversary of Falconio's disappearance.

The Unresolved Case

Despite his conviction in 2005, Murdoch never revealed the location of Falconio's body, a fact that has left the victim's family without closure. Falconio, 28, was traveling with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, when he was shot on a remote highway near Barrow Creek. Lees managed to escape and hide in the bush for hours before finding help. Murdoch was also found guilty of her attempted kidnapping and assault.

A Case That Captivated the World

The murder case drew international attention and partly inspired the horror film "Wolf Creek." During Murdoch's trial, prosecutors suggested that Falconio's body was likely disposed of in the vast wilderness between Alice Springs and Broome. The Northern Territory police have renewed their appeal for information, offering a reward of up to A$500,000 for leads that could help locate Falconio's remains.

Murdoch's Final Days

Murdoch, who was serving a life sentence with a non-parole period of 28 years, maintained his innocence until his death. His passing is subject to an investigation by the Northern Territory Coroner. Colleen Gwynne, the lead investigator, expressed regret over the lost opportunity to find Falconio's remains, emphasizing the ongoing grief of the Falconio family.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

With Murdoch's death, the mystery surrounding Peter Falconio's remains deepens, leaving the family and authorities in a state of uncertainty. The Northern Territory police remain committed to solving this final piece of the investigation, hopeful that the substantial reward might encourage someone to come forward with new information. Legal experts suggest that the "no body, no parole" legislation, introduced in 2016, highlights the importance of closure in such cases, potentially influencing future legal frameworks. As the search for Falconio's remains continues, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unresolved crimes on victims' families and communities.

Images from the Web

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Image Source: Barry Baker/Associated Press
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Image Source: REUTERS
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Image Source: AP