Police have doubled the reward they are offering for information regarding the 2001 murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio in the Australian outback.
Bradley John Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder in 2005 and is serving a life sentence for the crime that occurred near Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory.
Falconio’s body has never been found and NT Police today announced they have increased the reward from $250,000 to $500,000 for any information that leads to the discovery of his remains.
“We recognise the passage of time that’s transpired,” NT Police acting Commander Mark Grieve told media today.
“However, it’s never too late to reach out and at least start that conversation with police because you just never know how beneficial that information that you may hold may be.”
Next month will mark 24 years since Falconio, who was travelling with his girlfriend Joanne Lees, was killed by Murdoch while the pair were driving across the Stuart Highway.
Grieve said police have approached Murdoch “numerous times” over the years for information but have failed to uncover any new leads.
“On all occasions, he’s chosen not to positively engage with police,” he said.
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.
Police have been in contact with the Falconio family over the past 24 hours, Grieve said.
He did not comment on reports of Murdoch being given special treatment for his final days after being moved into palliative care.
NT officials yesterday refused to deny reports he has been moved to palliative care and that he has been permitted outings into the community and even back to the prison to say goodbye to his mates.
