Police in Australia have released previously unseen photographs from their investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 25 years ago.
Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot on a remote stretch of highway near the Northern Territory town of Barrow Creek, about 186 miles (300km) north of Alice Springs on 14 July 2001.
His body has never been found and police hope the images could jog memories that could lead to a tip‑off. His killer, Bradley Murdoch, died of throat cancer aged 67 in jail last year, without disclosing where Falconio’s remains might be.
The images include a full length picture of Murdoch staring straight at a camera during the police investigation.
Falconio’s girlfriend Joanne Lees escaped from Murdoch, hiding in scrubland for several hours before she was able to wave down two men driving a truck.
One of the photographs taken by police shows Lees looking traumatised in the hours after the attack. Others show injuries she sustained, including after her wrists were bound with cable ties.
During his trial in December 2005, the court heard Murdoch, who was then 43, pulled up beside their vehicle, claiming to have seen sparks coming from the camper van Falconio was driving.
He then shot Falconio in the head as he inspected the vehicle, before taking 28‑year‑old Lees into his car and binding her wrists with cable ties, although she managed to escape.
Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s killing by a unanimous jury verdict, and he was also found guilty of the assault and attempted kidnap of Lees.
He had always maintained his innocence, despite DNA evidence linking him to the crime, and unsuccessfully appealed to overturn his convictions twice.
In a recent statement, Commissioner Dole said: “It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch died without, as far as we know, ever disclosing the location of Peter’s remains. His cowardly silence has denied his family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserve.”
NT Police remain “committed to bringing this investigation to its fullest conclusion” and will continue to pursue every avenue available. A reward of up to A$500,000 is on offer for information leading to the discovery of Mr Falconio’s remains.
