Inquest into Bradley John Murdoch's Death Concludes Without Resolution on Falconio's Remains
The Northern Territory coroner has officially wrapped up the inquest into the death of Bradley John Murdoch, the convicted murderer of British backpacker Peter Falconio. Murdoch died from throat cancer at Alice Springs Hospital on July 16, 2025, taking to his grave the secret of where he hid Falconio's body.
Final Police Encounter: "Get Out"
Days before his death in the hospital's palliative care unit, police officers made a final attempt to extract information from Murdoch about the location of Falconio's remains. According to counsel assisting Chrissy McConnel, Superintendent Bill Carroll and two other officers visited Murdoch, hoping to show him a video message from Falconio's parents. Murdoch, however, refused to engage.
"Mr Murdoch did not speak with the officers, instead yelling for them to 'get out'," McConnel told the inquest. The officers were at his bedside for only about thirty seconds before being dismissed. This encounter mirrored an earlier visit weeks prior in prison, where Murdoch also maintained his innocence and refused to watch the video.
Background of the Crime and Conviction
Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the murder of 28-year-old Peter Falconio and the assault and attempted kidnapping of Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees, now 52. The crime occurred in July 2001 on the remote Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek. Falconio and Lees were traveling when Murdoch flagged them down, claiming their van had engine trouble.
After Falconio went to investigate with Murdoch, Lees heard a gunshot. Murdoch then cable-tied her and covered her head, but she managed to escape and hide in bushland for five hours while he hunted her with his dog. She eventually flagged down a truck driver for help.
Murdoch's arrest in November 2003 came after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. His DNA was found on the makeshift handcuffs used on Lees and on her T-shirt, evidence that proved crucial in his conviction.
Murdoch's Life in Prison and Final Days
During his 22-year prison stint, Murdoch, a former mechanic and truck driver, completed numerous educational courses, including furniture making, engineering, and hospitality. "Mr Murdoch was considered to be courteous and respectful to the other prisoners and corrections officers," the inquest heard.
However, after being diagnosed with throat cancer, his behavior changed. He at times verbally abused doctors and nurses when he felt his treatment was inadequate. Murdoch underwent chemotherapy but refused radiotherapy and signed a declaration stating he wished to be left to die naturally in case of a medical emergency.
Coroner's Findings and Family Reactions
Coroner Elisabeth Armitage expressed satisfaction with the medical care Murdoch received, stating, "I am satisfied that he received high quality and timely medical care. Moreover, I am satisfied that he was dealt with in a considerate and compassionate manner by health and corrections staff." This addressed concerns raised by Murdoch's son and other family members about his treatment.
Falconio's parents, Luciano and Joan Falconio, expressed relief upon Murdoch's death, saying, "It's like a weight that's been lifted." They added, "We didn't have much faith but we were hoping Bradley John Murdoch would reveal where Peter was before he died. But even now, we still hold out hope that his remains will be found."
Ongoing Search and Reward
A reward of up to $500,000 remains available for anyone providing information that leads to the discovery of Peter Falconio's remains. The inquest's conclusion marks the end of official proceedings into Murdoch's death, but the mystery of Falconio's final resting place persists, leaving a lingering question in one of Australia's most notorious criminal cases.
