UPDATE: The family of notorious outback killer Bradley John Murdoch held a private funeral service following his death from terminal throat cancer on July 15, 2023. Murdoch, who infamously murdered British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, was cremated, and his ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location, according to reports.
In a deeply emotional statement, Murdoch’s family reflected on their loss, emphasizing his role as a devoted family man. “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,” they stated. “But to those who truly knew him, he was much more than the headlines.”
Murdoch was serving a life sentence after being convicted of Falconio’s murder, a crime he consistently denied. The chilling details of the case reveal that on the night of July 14, 2001, Murdoch shot Falconio in the head while the victim was traveling with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, in a Kombi van along the Sturt Highway. After the attack, Murdoch attempted to kidnap Lees but she managed to escape, eventually flagging down a passing vehicle for help.
The Falconio family expressed their complicated feelings following Murdoch’s death. “Upon hearing that Bradley John Murdoch had died, our first feeling was of relief; it’s like a weight that’s been lifted,” said Falconio’s parents, Joan and Luciano. They reiterated their hope that their son’s remains would one day be found, emphasizing their desire to focus on their surviving children and grandchildren instead of Murdoch’s legacy.
The Northern Territory Police Force released a statement expressing their ongoing commitment to resolving the case. “It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch has died without, as far as we are aware, ever disclosing the location of Peter Falconio’s remains,” the statement read. They continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Murdoch had been diagnosed with terminal throat cancer in 2019 and was due for eligibility for parole in 2032. However, the introduction of “no body, no parole” laws in 2016 meant he could only have been released if he revealed the location of Falconio’s body.
As the community processes this news, the Falconio family is left grappling with the emotional aftermath of Murdoch’s death, a painful reminder of the crime that has haunted them for over two decades. The investigation remains open, and police are appealing for any information that could bring closure to the Falconio family and resolve this tragic case.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available.
