In brief
For the first time in 25 years, police have released a set of previously unseen photographs from the murder of Peter Falconio near Barrow Creek, Northern Territory. The images include a full‑length portrait of convicted killer Bradley Murdoch and photographs of victim Joanne Lees immediately after the attack, as well as evidence of a now‑abandoned orange VW Kombi van. NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said the release could trigger a tip‑off that might locate Falconio’s remains, offering a chance for closure. A reward of up to A$500,000 is on offer for any information that leads to his body.
Australian authorities released a collection of previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, which took place on 14 July 2001 near the remote town of Barrow Creek, north of Alice Springs.
The images include a full‑length portrait of convicted killer Bradley Murdoch taken during the police interview, and several shots of Joanne Lees in the hours immediately after the attack, showing the injuries inflicted upon her and the bindings on her wrists.
NT Police also released photos of the orange VW Kombi van that Falconio and Lees had been driving, which was abandoned close to the crime scene, and images of the alley that served as the murder site.
Commissioner Martin Dole stated that the 25‑year anniversary “is a significant milestone” and that the release of new visual material could "jog memories" or prompt a tip‑off that leads to the long‑unfound remains.
Police are continuing the investigation and have offered a reward of up to A$500,000 for any information that leads to the discovery of Falconio’s body. A recent body‑cam interview of Murdoch, performed a week before his death, is also accessible on the news portal.