Convicted Murderer Bradley John Murdoch Dies at 66
Bradley John Murdoch, 66, died from throat cancer on July 16, 2025, at Alice Springs Hospital's palliative care unit. Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the assault and attempted kidnapping of Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees.
Inquest Findings and Medical Care
Northern Territory coroner Elisabeth Armitage concluded an inquest into Murdoch's death on Thursday. The inquest determined that Murdoch received comprehensive medical care.
Murdoch received high-quality and timely medical care, and was treated considerately and compassionately by health and corrections staff.
Murdoch had undergone chemotherapy but notably refused radiotherapy, signing a declaration to die naturally in an emergency.
Continued Silence on Falconio's Remains
Before his death, Murdoch consistently refused multiple attempts by police to reveal the location of Peter Falconio's remains. Weeks before his death, officers visited him in jail to show a video made by Falconio's parents. However, Murdoch stated his innocence and declined to watch the footage.
Days before he died in the palliative care unit, police visited again in a final effort to gain information. Murdoch reportedly yelled for them to "get out."
The Crime: A Recap
In July 2001, Peter Falconio, 28, and Joanne Lees, 52, were traveling on the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory. Murdoch stopped their van, claiming an engine problem. As Falconio investigated with Murdoch, Lees heard a gunshot.
Murdoch then cable-tied Lees and covered her head. Lees managed to escape her captor, hiding in bushland for five hours while Murdoch searched for her. She eventually flagged down a truck driver, leading to the alarm being raised.
Murdoch was arrested in November 2003. His DNA, obtained from a separate South Australian case, was found on makeshift handcuffs and Lees' T-shirt, linking him to the crime.
Throughout his trial and imprisonment, Murdoch consistently maintained his innocence regarding the murder of Peter Falconio.
Falconio Family's Enduring Hope
In July 2025, Peter Falconio's parents, Luciano and Joan Falconio, expressed relief at Murdoch's death. They described it as "a weight that's been lifted."
The Falconio family had hoped Murdoch would disclose their son's location before his death. They continue to hold onto hope that Peter's remains will eventually be found. A reward of up to $500,000 remains available for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.