Death of 'Outback Killer' Murdoch Leaves Peter Falconio's Body Missing

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The death of Bradley John Murdoch, infamously known as the 'Outback Killer,' has left unresolved the whereabouts of British backpacker Peter Falconio, who was murdered in central Australia nearly 24 years ago. Murdoch, aged 67, passed away on Tuesday night at the Alice Springs Hospital, where he had been receiving palliative care following a terminal throat cancer diagnosis in 2019. His death raises concerns that he may have taken the secret of Falconio's body disposal to his grave, a situation that has deeply affected Falconio's family.

The Northern Territory Police Force expressed their commitment to resolving the mystery, stating, "It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch has died without, as far as we are aware, ever disclosing the location of Peter Falconio's remains. His silence has denied the Falconio family the closure they have so long deserved."

Falconio's father, Luciano, 83, expressed his shock at Murdoch's passing, hoping for some resolution: "I tell you what I think, I wish he [Murdoch] left something for me to find him," he remarked from his home in the U.K. This revelation comes just a day after the anniversary of his son's disappearance.

In 2005, Murdoch was convicted for the 2001 murder of 28-year-old Falconio and for the attempted kidnapping of Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees. The case garnered international attention, inspiring the 2005 horror film 'Wolf Creek,' which depicted a serial killer targeting backpackers. Lees, who survived the encounter, has since documented her ordeal in her memoir 'No Turning Back,' where she recounts the trauma of being treated as a suspect during the investigation.

Murdoch consistently maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration and did not assist authorities in locating Falconio's remains. At the time of the crime, Murdoch had a history of drug abuse, leading to erratic behavior. On July 14, 2001, he lured Falconio and Lees into stopping their campervan under the pretense of a vehicle malfunction. After shooting Falconio, he bound Lees with cable ties, allowing her to escape and eventually seek help from passing motorists.

In light of Murdoch's terminal condition, Northern Territory Police doubled the reward for information leading to Falconio's body to AUD 500,000 (approximately USD 330,000) last month. Police Commander Mark Grieve noted, "We still hold out hope that someone may be able to provide some vital information to assist in this search."

Colleen Gwynne, a former police officer who played a significant role in the initial investigation, speculated that Murdoch may have panicked after Lees escaped, leading him to forget where he disposed of the body. Murdoch received a life sentence for Falconio's murder, with the possibility of parole after serving at least 28 years, although the 2016 legislation in the Northern Territory mandates that murderers must disclose the location of their victim's remains to be eligible for parole.

Murdoch's criminal history began long before the Falconio case; he was previously sentenced for a shooting incident involving Indigenous people in Western Australia. In sentencing Murdoch, Chief Justice Brian Martin remarked on the profound trauma experienced by Lees, stating it was likely "close to the worst nightmare imaginable."

As the investigation remains open, the haunting mystery of Peter Falconio's disappearance continues to cast a shadow over his family and the broader community, as they await closure that may never come.