Never-before-seen body-worn camera footage released by Northern Territory police shows officers attempting to get convicted killer Bradley John Murdoch to confess to the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and reveal the location of his body. The footage was recorded weeks before Murdoch's death in 2025, 25 years after the crime.
Background of the case
Murdoch was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2005 for the murder of 28-year-old Falconio and the assault and attempted kidnapping of Falconio's partner, Joanne Lees. The couple had been travelling in Australia when they were attacked on a remote highway north of Alice Springs in July 2001. Falconio's body has never been found.
Details of the footage
In the newly released footage, Murdoch is seen being questioned by police officers, who press him to admit to the murder and disclose where he disposed of Falconio's remains. The video shows Murdoch remaining largely uncooperative, refusing to provide any information about the location of the body. According to the Northern Territory police, the footage was released as part of ongoing efforts to provide closure to the victim's family.
Impact and significance
The release of the footage has reignited public interest in the case, which has remained one of Australia's most notorious unsolved mysteries due to the absence of Falconio's body. Joanne Lees, who survived the attack, has previously spoken about the trauma of the ordeal. The footage offers a rare glimpse into the final interactions between Murdoch and law enforcement before his death.
