NT Coroner Concludes Inquest into Murdoch’s Death
Notorious outback killer Bradley John Murdoch shouted at police to “get out” as he lay dying in hospital, refusing until the end to disclose the location of British backpacker Peter Falconio’s body, whom he shot dead on a remote highway.
Coroner Elisabeth Armitage concluded the inquest on Thursday into the 66-year-old’s death from throat cancer on 16 July 2025 at the palliative care unit of Alice Springs hospital.
Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the murder of 28-year-old British backpacker Peter Falconio, as well as the assault and attempted kidnapping of Falconio’s girlfriend Joanne Lees, now 52, on the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek in July 2001.
Details of the Crime
The backpackers were travelling along the highway when Murdoch approached them, indicating they should pull over, claiming their van might have engine trouble.
Falconio went behind the car with Murdoch to investigate, after which Lees heard a gunshot. Murdoch then restrained Lees with cable ties and covered her head.
Lees escaped and hid in the bushland for five hours while Murdoch searched for her with his dog, before she managed to flag down a passing truck driver.
Arrest and Evidence
Murdoch was arrested in November 2003 in connection with Falconio’s disappearance, following a South Australian jury’s acquittal of him on charges of raping and falsely imprisoning a 12-year-old girl.
The South Australian case enabled Northern Territory police to obtain Murdoch’s DNA, which was later found on the makeshift handcuffs worn by Lees and on her T-shirt, leading to his arrest.
Throughout, Murdoch maintained his innocence and refused to reveal the location of Falconio’s body.
Final Attempts to Locate Falconio’s Remains
The counsel assisting, Chrissy McConnel, told the inquest in Alice Springs on Thursday that Superintendent Bill Carroll and two other officers visited Murdoch in prison just weeks before his death.
They made a final effort to discover Falconio’s remains, hoping to show Murdoch a video made by Falconio’s parents with assistance from UK police.
“When the officers attended at the prison to speak with Mr Murdoch, he stated his innocence and refused to watch the video,”
McConnel said.
Police visited Murdoch again days before he died in the palliative care unit, where he was under 24-hour guard by prison officers. However, the officers were at his bedside for only about 30 seconds.
“Mr Murdoch did not speak with the officers, instead yelling for them to ‘get out’,”
McConnel added.
Murdoch’s Background and Prison Life
The inquest heard that Murdoch had worked as a mechanic and truck driver before completing numerous courses during his 22 years in prison, including furniture making, engineering, and hospitality.
“Mr Murdoch was considered to be courteous and respectful to the other prisoners and corrections officers,”the inquest heard.
However, after his cancer diagnosis, Murdoch sometimes verbally abused doctors and nurses when he felt his treatment was inadequate.
He underwent chemotherapy but refused radiotherapy and signed a declaration to be allowed to die naturally in the event of a medical emergency.
Medical Care and Family Concerns
The inquest also heard that Murdoch’s son and other family members had expressed concerns about his medical treatment.
Nevertheless, the coroner stated on Thursday that she was satisfied Murdoch received high-quality and timely medical care.
“Moreover I am satisfied that he was dealt with as a considerate and compassionate manner by health and corrections staff.”
Falconio Family’s Response
Falconio’s parents expressed relief at Murdoch’s death in July 2025, saying it felt like a burden had been lifted.
“We didn’t have much faith but we were hoping Bradley John Murdoch would reveal where Peter was before he died,”Luciano and Joan Falconio said at the time.
“But even now, we still hold out hope that his remains will be found.”
A reward of up to $500,000 is available to anyone who provides information leading to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.
