Police release unseen photos in 25‑year‑old Peter Falconio murder case
In a move that could reignite public interest, the Northern Territory Police have made available a set of photographs taken during the investigation into the 2001 stabbing death of British backpacker Peter Falconio.
The images include a full‑length shot of suspect Bradley Murdoch staring directly at the camera, as well as a series depicting the aftermath of the attack—most notably a gripped hands of Joanna Lees and the injuries she sustained with cable ties.
Commissioner Martin Dole said the release of these pictures is a “significant milestone” fifteen years after the original investigation was closed, hoping that fresh memories could lead to a tip and possibly the long‑lost body.
The anonymous van in which the couple travelled, an orange Volkswagen Kombi, was discovered abandoned within the Stuart Highway. The police argue that any clues from the vehicle might help locate the body, though last week a new body‑cam interview of Murdoch was released—but he never revealed the location before dying of cancer.
A reward of up to A$500,000 has been offered for any information that leads to Falconio’s remains being found, and the investigation remains open. NT Police remain “committed to bringing this investigation to its fullest conclusion.”
