Australian police have released previously unseen images from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, marking the 25th anniversary of his death. The Northern Territory Police hope the new footage could lead to the discovery of his remains, which have never been found.
Background of the Case
Peter Falconio, 28, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was murdered on July 14, 2001, on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway in Australia's Northern Territory. He and his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, were traveling in a camper van when they were ambushed by Bradley John Murdoch. Murdoch assaulted Lees at gunpoint and killed Falconio. Murdoch was convicted in 2005 and sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 28 years. He died in prison last year after being diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019, but never disclosed the location of Falconio's remains.
New Images Released
To mark the 25th anniversary, Northern Territory Police have released new images from the case. Commissioner Martin Dole APM stated that the force would exhaust every possibility to find Falconio's remains and bring closure to his loved ones. '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. '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.'
Appeal for Information
Commissioner Dole added, '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 his family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserve.' He continued, '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. The release of new footage could lead police to Peter's remains. There may still be someone who knows something, whether that be information they have never previously shared with the police or something Murdoch said to them.'
Reward Offered
A reward of up to 500,000 Australian dollars (£260,000) has been offered for any information that leads directly to the discovery of Mr Falconio's remains. Police urge anyone with information to come forward, no matter how small.
