Outback Killer's Final Act of Defiance in Hospital Deathbed
Notorious outback murderer Bradley John Murdoch yelled at police officers to 'get out' as he lay dying in hospital, maintaining his refusal to the very end to disclose the location where he concealed the body of a British backpacker he shot dead on a remote highway. Northern Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage concluded the inquest into the 66-year-old's death from throat cancer on Thursday, confirming he passed away on July 16, 2025 in the palliative care unit of Alice Springs Hospital.
Murder of Peter Falconio and Assault of Joanne Lees
Murdoch was serving a life sentence for the brutal murder of 28-year-old British backpacker Peter Falconio, along with the assault and attempted kidnapping of Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees, now 52. The horrific crime occurred on the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek in July 2001. The couple were travelling along the desolate highway when Murdoch drove up behind them and signalled for them to pull over, falsely claiming their van might have an engine problem.
Mr Falconio went behind the vehicle with Murdoch to investigate, and Ms Lees heard a single gunshot. Murdoch then proceeded to cable-tie Ms Lees and cover her head. She managed to escape and hid in the bushland for five harrowing hours while Murdoch, accompanied by his dog, actively hunted her. Eventually, she flagged down a passing truck driver, leading to her rescue.
Arrest and DNA Evidence
Murdoch was arrested in November 2003 in connection with Mr Falconio's disappearance. This arrest was facilitated by a prior South Australian case where a jury had acquitted him of raping and falsely imprisoning a 12-year-old girl. The South Australian case allowed Northern Territory Police to obtain Murdoch's DNA, which proved crucial. His DNA was later identified on the makeshift handcuffs used on Ms Lees, as well as on her T-shirt, providing the definitive evidence that led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.
Final Police Attempts and Inquest Details
Throughout his imprisonment, Murdoch steadfastly maintained his innocence and refused to divulge the whereabouts of Mr Falconio's body. Counsel assisting the inquest, Chrissy McConnel, revealed that Superintendent Bill Carroll and two other officers visited Murdoch in jail just weeks before his death. They were making a final, desperate effort to locate Mr Falconio's remains, hoping to show Murdoch a video message prepared by Mr 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,' Ms McConnel told the inquest in Alice Springs. Police made another attempt days before Murdoch died, visiting him in the palliative care unit where he was under 24-hour guard by prison officers. However, this encounter lasted only about 30 seconds. 'Mr Murdoch did not speak with the officers, instead yelling for them to 'get out',' Ms McConnel stated.
Life in Prison and Medical Treatment
The inquest heard that Murdoch had worked as a mechanic and truck driver prior to his incarceration. During his 22-year prison sentence, he completed numerous educational courses, including furniture making, engineering, and hospitality. 'Mr Murdoch was considered to be courteous and respectful to the other prisoners and corrections officers,' the inquest was told.
However, after being diagnosed with cancer, his behaviour changed. He at times verbally abused doctors and nurses when he felt he was not receiving adequate treatment. Murdoch underwent chemotherapy but refused radiotherapy and signed a legal declaration stating he wished to be left to die naturally in the event of a medical emergency. The inquest also noted that Murdoch's son and other family members had expressed concerns about his medical care.
Coroner's Findings and Family's Hopes
Coroner Elisabeth Armitage stated she was satisfied that Murdoch received high quality and timely medical care during his illness. 'Moreover I am satisfied that he was dealt with in a considerate and compassionate manner by health and corrections staff,' she concluded on Thursday.
Mr Falconio's parents, Luciano and Joan Falconio, expressed relief upon Murdoch's death in July 2025, describing it as 'like a weight that's been lifted'. They said, 'We didn't have much faith, but we were hoping Bradley John Murdoch would reveal where Peter was before he died. But even now, we still hold out hope that his remains will be found.' A reward of up to $500,000 remains available for anyone providing information that leads to the discovery of Peter Falconio's remains.
