Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch dead at 67

The family of one of Australia’s most notorious killers has released a long statement after the news of his death.

One of Australia’s most notorious killers, Bradley John Murdoch, who murdered backpacker Peter Falconio, has died aged 67.

Murdoch was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019. In an eerie coincidence, he died just one day after the 24th anniversary of the infamous killing.

Last month, he was released from the Alice Springs Correctional Centre into palliative care at Alice Springs Hospital.

He had been serving a life sentence for the 28-year-old British backpacker’s murder, of which he was found guilty in December 2005.

Despite continued efforts by police, Mr Falconio’s remains have never been found – a secret Murdoch took to the grave.

Murdoch family’s staggering statement

Despite the unanswered questions still looming over the case, Murdoch’s family has issued a gushing statement about the late convicted killer.

“To many, Bradley Murdoch is known only for the events that led to his conviction in 2005 for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio, a crime for which he has always denied responsibility from his arrest until his death,” it read. “But to those who truly knew him, he was much more than the headlines.

“When given the opportunity, Brad was a devoted father, father-in-law, and proud Poppy who never missed a chance to brag about his grandchildren. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.

“Throughout his years in custody, Brad was well liked and respected by fellow inmates and correctional officers alike. He earned the affectionate title of ‘Uncle’ from many Indigenous prisoners, recognising his efforts to offer guidance, support, and practical help whenever he could.”

They claimed Murdoch had a “generous spirit”.

Bradley John Murdoch has died of throat cancer age 67. Picture: AFP Photo/David Hancock

“He was a gentle giant with a heart of gold, known for his quick wit, his talent for fixing or building just about anything, and his incredible skills in the kitchen. Above all, he was someone who, no matter the circumstances, always extended a helping hand to those around him,” they said.

“Following the broadcast of the television series Murder in the Outback in 2020, which questioned key aspects of the case that led to his conviction, Brad believed there was one final avenue of hope: a Petition for Mercy.

“For three years, Brad placed his trust in former criminal lawyer Andrew Fraser, who acted as his legal representative and claimed to be working closely with a team of three King Counsels to draft the petition. It was later revealed that all three KCs had not been involved in Brad’s matter for years. This revelation was a crushing blow to Brad, who had clung to that hope in good faith.

“We understand that the public perception of Bradley will always be shaped by his conviction, but our intention is simply to share the man we knew, the version of him that was rarely, if ever, seen beyond our family and close friends.

“He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed.”

Secret taken to the grave

In a statement acknowledging Murdoch’s death on Wednesday morning, NT Police said it was “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,” they said.

“Our thoughts are with the Falconio family in the United Kingdom, whose grief continues.”

On July 14, 2001, Mr Falconio and his girlfriend Joanne Lees were travelling on the Stuart Highway north of Barrow Creek, about 208km north of Alice Springs, when a car pulled up alongside their Kombi van and motioned for the couple to pull over.

Peter Falconio and his girlfriend Joanne Lees had been backpacking around Australia at the time.

Behind the wheel was Murdoch, who told the young backpackers there were sparks coming out of their van.

As Mr Falconio went to inspect the back of the Kombi, Murdoch pulled a gun on him and shot him in the head.

Murdoch then forced Ms Lees out of the van, binding her wrists with cable ties and forcing her into the back of his LandCruiser.

She was somehow able to escape, hiding in the outback’s sparse scrub for five hours before she was able to stop a road train and get help.

During Murdoch’s murder trial, it was revealed the killer had also put Mr Falconio’s body into his car, before dumping him somewhere between Alice Springs and Broome – towns almost 2000km apart.

“The case isn’t closed until they find Peter,” former NT Police assistant commissioner John Daulby previously told The Project.

Murdoch was found guilty of murder by a unanimous jury verdict in December 2005.

He was sentenced to life in prison, with a non-parole period of 28 years.

“I doubt that any description is capable of fully conveying the true extent of the trauma and terror that you imposed upon (Ms Lees),” Chief Justice Brian Martin told Murdoch at his sentencing in Darwin’s Supreme Court.

“It must have been close to the worst nightmare imaginable.”

Murdoch after his arrest.

Murdoch, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial, appealed to overturn his convictions twice. Both attempts were unsuccessful, and he was refused special leave by the High Court in 2007.

The Northern Territory introduced “no body, no parole” legislation in 2016, meaning Murdoch would not have been eligible for parole in 2032 if he continued to keep Mr Falconio’s whereabouts a secret.

Following his cancer diagnosis in early 2019, the NT News reported Murdoch initially refused treatment for the condition.

A prison officer at the time told the paper Murdoch had had extended periods of leave from his job in the prison’s kitchen, where he worked as a pastry chef.

The whereabouts of Mr Falconio’s body were never revealed.

Dad’s sad plea before Murdoch’s death

On Tuesday, Mr Falconio’s elderly father Luciano told the NT News he is still clinging to hope his son’s remains will be found.

Twenty-four years to the day that his son was killed, the 83-year-old said: “I wish I could find him and make an end to it, bury him … find where he is buried and what happened to him, even me, I don’t know”.

“I know what happened but I don’t know where he is,” Luciano said.

“I still hope, yeah I still hope, but I don’t know, if we (will) live long enough.”

Mr Falconio’s brother Paul and father Luciano in July 2001.

Police launch fresh appeal for information

Last month, police launched a new appeal for information on the whereabouts of Mr Falconio’s body, offering a potential reward of up to $500,000.

At a press conference, NT Police Acting Commissioner Mark Grieve said authorities “still hold out hope that someone will be able to provide some vital information to assist in this search”.

“As such, a fresh reward for information is now on offer of up to $500,000 – for information that leads to the discovery of Peter’s body,” Acting Commander Grieve said.

“We’re asking for anyone that may believe they have information that can assist to please come forward and contact police … We recognise the passage of time that’s transpired, however it’s never too late to reach out and at least start that conversation.”

A sign for Barrow Creek on the Stuart Highway, where Mr Falconio went missing. Picture: Brad Hunter

Acting Commander Mark Grieve announced a $500,000 reward for anyone with information about Mr Falconio’s body. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Asked if police had reinterviewed Murdoch, Acting Comm Grieve said officers had made “numerous” recent attempts.

“Unfortunately the outcome of those conversations rest with Mr Murdoch,” he continued.

“On all occasions, he has chosen not to positively engage with police.”

Authorities have repeatedly searched the area where Mr Falconio was killed.

A previous reward of up to $250,000 had been offered to anyone with information. Police have doubled that amount, Acting Comm Grieve said, in the hope of trying to “at least bring some slither of resolution to Peter’s family by bringing home his remains”.

“We have been unwavering in that regard in the 24 years up to this point,” he said.

Originally published as Outback killer Bradley John Murdoch dead at 67