Notorious backpacker killer Bradley John Murdoch has died in prison after suffering throat cancer.
“Bradley Murdoch passed away last night in the palliative care unit at Alice Springs Hospital,” confirmed a spokesperson for the Department of Corrections.
“The death will be subject to investigation by the Northern Territory Coroner.”
Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio on the night of July 14, 2001.
He flagged down Peter Falconio and his girlfriend Joanne Lees while they were on their journey in a Kombi van along the Stuart Highway, more than 250km north of Alice Springs.
Murdoch, behind the wheel of a white ute with a green canopy, informed the couple that he noticed sparks were coming from their exhaust, which led them to stop.
Murdoch then shot Falconio and bound Lees’ hands, and put her in the back of his ute.
However, she was able to escape, possibly when Murdoch was moving Falconio’s body.
At Murdoch’s trial years later, Lees described hearing something scraping along the ground while Murdoch was out of sight, prompting her to flee and hide nearby.
She evaded re-capture despite Murdoch lingering in the area for several hours to try to find her.
Lees was later able to flag down another driver who took her to safety after midnight that same night.
Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder in 2005 and sentenced to life in prison.
He maintained his innocence and has never revealed the location of Falconio’s body.
Blood had previously been found at the spot where Falconio was believed to be shot, but no other trace was located.
“On all occasions, he’s chosen not to positively engage with police,” NT Police Acting Commander Mark Grieve said at the time of the reward increase.
He also described Murdoch as being “not very forthcoming” when police have questioned him over Falconio’s remains.
“There may be someone out there that he’s confided in, whether or not that’s family or friends, we just don’t know,” Grieve added.
Murdoch had developed throat cancer in recent years.
NT officials previously refused to deny reports he had been permitted outings into the community and even back to the prison to say his goodbyes in recent weeks.
Murdoch’s family confirmed his death and shared their own memories of the convicted killer.
“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, a crime for which he has always denied responsibility from his arrest until his death,” they said through a solicitor.
“But to those who truly knew him, he was much more than the headlines.
“When given the opportunity, Brad was a devoted father, father-in-law, and proud Poppy who never missed a chance to brag about his grandchildren. He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.
“We understand that the public perception of Bradley will always be shaped by his conviction, but our intention is simply to share the man we knew, the version of him that was rarely, if ever, seen beyond our family and close friends.
“He was deeply loved. He will be deeply missed.”
