A quarter of a century on from one of Australia's most infamous crimes, new photographs have been released in the hopes that they will finally bring closure to Peter Falconio's family and loved ones. On 14 July 2001, the 28-year-old British backpacker was shot on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory. His disappearance and presumed murder sent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a traumatised girlfriend, Joanne Lees, who managed to escape her attacker's clutches.
The collection of previously unseen images includes a haunting portrait of Bradley Murdoch, the convicted killer, during police questioning. Murdoch, then 43, was found guilty of Falconio's murder and the assault and attempted kidnap of Lees in December 2005. Despite maintaining his innocence, DNA evidence irrefutably linked him to the crime. He passed away in prison last year, aged 67, without ever revealing the location of Falconio's remains.
The released photographs also capture the distressing aftermath of the attack on Lees, who can be seen looking visibly shaken and injured. The images document the cable ties used to bind her wrists, as well as the physical trauma she sustained during her ordeal. It is a stark reminder of the horrific events that unfolded 25 years ago.
The photographs also include the abandoned orange Volkswagen Kombi van that Falconio and Lees had been driving when they were attacked. Crime scene images provide a poignant glimpse into the investigation's efforts to piece together the sequence of events on that fateful day.
Northern Territory Police Commissioner Martin Dole reflected on the significance of this milestone, reiterating the police force's commitment to finding Falconio's remains and bringing closure to his family. "This was a traumatic event for Ms Lees and Peter's loved ones," Dole said, acknowledging the ongoing pain felt by those affected. The investigation remains active, with a reward of up to A$500,000 still on offer for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.