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Australian police have released previously unseen body-worn camera footage and photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, 25 years after he was killed on a remote stretch of highway in the Northern Territory.

The material, released by Northern Territory Police, includes footage of an interview with Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted of Falconio's murder, in which he denies knowing where the body is. Murdoch, who died of throat cancer in July 2025, maintained his innocence and refused to divulge the location of Falconio's remains.

The release comes days before the 25th anniversary of the killing, which took place on 14 July 2001 near Barrow Creek, about 300km north of Alice Springs.

Coverage Comparison

BBC News reported that the newly released photographs include a full-length picture of Murdoch staring at a camera, as well as images of Joanne Lees, Falconio's girlfriend, who escaped from Murdoch after the attack. One photograph shows Lees looking traumatised in the hours after the attack, while others show injuries she sustained, including marks where her wrists had been bound with cable ties.

The BBC also reported that the images include a photo of the orange Volkswagen Kombi van the couple had been driving, which was found abandoned just off the Stuart Highway close to where the attack took place.

The Guardian reported on the body-worn camera footage, describing it as showing Murdoch launching a "foul-mouthed tirade" when asked about Falconio's body. According to The Guardian, the interview took place in June 2025, less than a month before Murdoch died.

The Guardian detailed the exchange, in which an officer asks Murdoch to think about the case: "I need you to have a think about if Peter Falconio was your son … and somebody knew something about where his body was." Murdoch replies, "Don't beat around the bush because I'm just going to cut you short every time OK?" and says, "I know nothing. I've said this for 22 years. I know nothing."

When prompted again, Murdoch says, "I'm not thinking about it. I've thought about, I thought about it for 22 fucking years. I've been with these fellas for 22 years. They've all understood what's going on, I've said the same story over and over and over, and now you're here at the last minute because I'm fucking dying."

Key Claims

  • Bradley John Murdoch denied knowing where Peter Falconio's body is, maintaining his innocence and refusing to reveal the location of the remains.
  • Northern Territory Police released body-worn camera vision of an interview with Murdoch, filmed in June 2025, weeks before his death.
  • Murdoch served a life sentence for murdering Falconio and the assault and attempted kidnapping of Joanne Lees.
  • Murdoch died in Alice Springs hospital in July 2025 from throat cancer.
  • A $500,000 reward is offered for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's body.
  • Photos of Joanne Lees and the crime scene were released by NT Police, along with an image of the orange Volkswagen Kombi van the couple was driving.
  • Murdoch was convicted of Falconio's killing by a unanimous jury verdict, and also found guilty of the assault and attempted kidnap of Lees.
Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole said that 25 years was a "significant milestone" and that he hoped the release of new images could jog memories or lead to a tip-off. "This was a traumatic and horrific event for Ms Lees, and for Peter's family, who have now gone such a long time without the answers they deserve," Dole said. "While a murderer has been held accountable for his crimes, this investigation can never be considered closed until Peter's remains are found and his family can lay him to rest."