Northern Territory Police Release 2001 Falconio Murder Photos on 25th Anniversary

Northern Territory police released several previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted abduction of Joanne Lees. The release occurred on Tuesday, the 25th anniversary of Falconio's disappearance on 14 July 2001 along the Stuart Highway. One image shows Lees less than 24 hours after the encounter.

Another shows Murdoch staring at the camera. Additional photographs depict the orange Kombi van the couple was traveling in, cuts and grazes on Lees's arm, and evidence markers lining a dark red stain on the highway. Falconio was 28 at the time of his murder.

Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of the crime and sentenced to life in prison. Murdoch died on 15 July 2025 without disclosing the location of the remains. NT Police commissioner Martin Dole stated the investigation will remain open until the remains are found.

“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,” he said. A reward of $500,000 remains on offer for information leading directly to the discovery of Falconio's remains. Dole said there may still be someone who knows information about the location.