Outback Killer Bradley John Murdoch Dies at 67
Mystery deepens as convicted murderer passes before revealing victim’s remains
Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted for the 2001 outback murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, has died at age 67 in Alice Springs Hospital, the Northern Territory Department of Corrections confirmed. Murdoch succumbed overnight to terminal throat cancer. His passing brings an end to his life sentence but leaves intact the haunting mystery of Falconio’s disappearance, as Murdoch took the secret of the body’s location to his grave
A Notorious Crime
On July 14, 2001, Falconio and his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, were travelling along the remote Stuart Highway when their van was halted by a man claiming engine trouble. Falconio exited the vehicle and was fatally shot. Lees was bound with cable ties and abducted, but she managed to escape into the desert before flagging down a passing truck. Her dramatic escape and later testimony were instrumental in identifying Murdoch, who was arrested in 2003 and convicted in 2005
Sentenced to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 28 years, Murdoch was subject to a Northern Territory law enacted in 2016 stipulating that convicted murderers must reveal the whereabouts of their victims to be considered for parole. He never complied
Final Chapter
Diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019, Murdoch was transferred to a palliative care unit in June and appeared to have only weeks to live before his death on July 15, 2025 Despite repeated efforts and an increased reward—now AUD 500,000—for information leading to Falconio’s remains, Murdoch maintained his silence until the end
“Police still hold out hope for someone to come forward,” said Acting Commander Mark Grieve, emphasising that the reward remains in place even as Murdoch has died
Legacy and Aftermath
The brutal killing inspired intense media coverage and sparked the film Wolf Creek, drawing public attention to the dangers faced by travellers in remote Australia Joanne Lees later published No Turning Back, detailing her ordeal as the surviving eyewitness
Murdoch’s history included prior criminal activity, including a racially motivated shooting in 1995 and repeated drug offences . His violent background, combined with his gangster ties and refusal to admit guilt, sealed his fate behind bars.
In his final days, victim advocacy groups expressed concern when Murdoch reportedly received special privileges during his transfer to palliative care, including some escorted outings and visits—sparking debate over security and inmate rights .
Family Left in Limbo
Falconio’s family has long waited for closure. His partner, Joanne Lees, and his parents continue to appeal for any information—even cryptic leads—that might finally locate his remains . “She has made it clear that she’ll never fully be at peace until she finds Peter’s body,” victim rights advocates have said .
Hope Amid Silence
With the “no body, no parole” law ensuring Murdoch would never walk free, his silence meant both legal certainty and emotional anguish for Falconio’s loved ones . Now his death puts even more weight on the $500,000 reward. “It’s never too late to reach out,” police emphasised
A Chilling End
Bradley John Murdoch’s death marks the conclusion of a grim chapter in Australian crime, but the unanswered question remains: where did he hide Peter Falconio’s body? Unless someone with knowledge steps forward, the final act of this tragedy may never be written.
