Northern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes to uncover several previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and attempted abduction of his girlfriend Joanne Lees.
Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of the outback disappearance, which still resonates as one of Australia’s most horrific and culturally defining crimes. It also carries unanswered questions for Falconio’s family.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of the 28-year-old’s murder, but he died on 15 July 2025 without ever admitting to what he had done or disclosing the location of Falconio’s remains.
In an effort to reinvigorate the case, NT police have released images, including one which shows a stunned looking Lees in the hours after her encounter with Murdoch on a remote part of the Stuart Highway on the fateful evening of 14 July 2001.
She narrowly managed to escape him and, in doing so, likely saved her own life.
Another shows Murdoch as photographed by police, staring back at the camera.
Footage was earlier released of officers’ final efforts to convince Murdoch to reveal the whereabouts of Falconio’s body.
The jailed killer denied having any knowledge of, or information about, the death.
Other images released by police include the orange Kombi van the young couple were travelling in and cuts and grazes sustained by Lees during her ordeal.
In another photograph, evidence markers on the side of a desert highway appear to line a dark red stain on the rough bitumen.
Despite Murdoch being convicted and sentenced to life, the investigation into Falconio’s murder would stay open until his remains were found, the NT Police commissioner, Martin Dole, said.
“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,” he said.
“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 (Mr Falconio’s) 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.”
A reward of $500,000 remains on offer for information leading directly to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
Police believe Murdoch may have at some point admitted his deeds to someone such as a family member or friend, despite his public denials of involvement.
“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.”
