Bradley Murdoch, the Australian man convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, has died at the age of 67. Murdoch was serving a life sentence at a prison in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, when he succumbed to terminal throat cancer after being treated in a local hospital in recent weeks.
The Northern Territory Department of Corrections confirmed that a death had occurred within the prison system, which marks a significant moment in a case that has haunted Falconio's family and the public for over two decades. Murdoch was convicted in 2005 for Falconio's murder, yet he never revealed the whereabouts of the victim’s body.
Peter Falconio was shot dead in July 2001 while traveling with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, on a remote stretch of highway near Barrow Creek, 300 kilometers north of Alice Springs. Lees was able to escape Murdoch, hiding in the outback for hours before signaling for help.
The chilling nature of these events partly inspired the horror film "Wolf Creek," released in 2005. In a recent development, Australian authorities announced a new reward of A$500,000 (approx. £240,000) for information leading to the location of Falconio's remains.
Acting Commander Mark Grieve of Northern Territory Police expressed the hope that someone might still come forward with critical information, despite the considerable time that has passed. Grieve revealed that police had made multiple inquiries to Murdoch, including a recent attempt in June, which he declined.
As these events unfold, the community and the Falconio family continue to seek closure, holding on to the hope that one day they may bring Peter's remains home.
