Police release unseen photos in Peter Falconio murder case

Northern Territory police have opened evidence boxes and uncovered several previously unseen photographs from the investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted abduction of his girlfriend, Joanne Lees. Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of the infamous outback disappearance.

Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of the 28-year-old's murder but died on 15 July 2025 without ever admitting his guilt or disclosing the location of Falconio's remains. The photographs show a stunned Lees in the hours after her encounter with Murdoch on a remote stretch of the Stuart Highway on the fateful evening of 14 July 2001, as well as Murdoch photographed by police during the investigation.

Despite Murdoch's conviction and life sentence, the investigation into Falconio's murder will remain open until his remains are found, said NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole. A reward of $500,000 remains on offer for information leading directly to the discovery of Falconio's remains. "No piece of information is too small; what may seem insignificant could prove critical in helping investigators finally resolve this case," Dole said.

In other news: Australia's online safety regulator reports that young men aged 18-24 are the most common victims of sexual extortion, and tech companies are failing to address the issue. Cancer statistics show rising incidence among young people but improving survival rates. Additionally, four men have been charged in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian in Sydney.