Arabic version: الشرطة تنشر صورًا لإحياء التحقيق في قضية فالكونيو

Northern Territory police have reopened evidence boxes and released previously unseen photographs in the long-running investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio and the attempted abduction of Joanne Lees.

According to The Guardian, the newly published images include a stunned-looking Lees taken less than 24 hours after her encounter with Bradley John Murdoch, a police photograph of Murdoch, the orange Kombi van the couple were travelling in, cuts and grazes on Lees, and evidence markers beside a dark red stain on bitumen.

Murdoch was convicted of Falconio’s murder but died on 15 July 2025 without disclosing the location of Falconio’s remains. The Northern Territory Police commissioner, Martin Dole, said the investigation will remain open until the remains are found. A reward of $500,000 remains on offer for information leading directly to the discovery of Falconio’s remains.

Dole said: “This was a traumatic and horrific event for Ms Lees and for Peter’s family, who have now gone such a long time without the answers they deserve.” He added: “It is deeply regrettable that Murdoch died without, as far as we know, ever disclosing the location of Peter’s remains. His cowardly silence has denied (Mr Falconio) family, friends and loved ones the closure they deserve.” Police also said they believe Murdoch may at some point have admitted his deeds to someone such as a family member or friend and urged anyone with information to come forward. “No piece of information is too small; what may seem insignificant could prove critical in helping investigators finally resolve this case.”

This story matters because the remains have not been located, leaving Falconio’s family without the closure that NT police and the victim’s supporters have sought for 25 years; the case is described in reporting as one of Australia’s most horrific and culturally defining crimes and continues to carry unanswered questions for the family and those involved.

What happens next: the Northern Territory Police Force says it remains committed to bringing the investigation to its fullest conclusion, will continue to pursue every avenue available, and will keep the case open until Falconio’s remains are found.

Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Northern Territory