A twisted killer who ended the life of a British backpacker devastated many individuals, particularly the victim’s girlfriend. The final moments of the murderer, Bradley Murdoch, who was behind the disappearance of UK tourist Peter Falconio over three decades ago, will be scrutinized in a one-day hearing following his death from throat cancer last July after spending two decades in prison. Despite multiple failed appeals, Murdoch’s conviction in 2005 landed him a life sentence with a 28-year minimum term due to Australia’s “no body, no parole” law.
The upcoming hearing on March 19 will delve into Murdoch’s death while in custody, where it was revealed that he harbored hopes of a conviction overturn through a “petition for mercy” in his last days. The inquest aims to shed light on any new revelations regarding the 2001 murder and Murdoch’s time in custody.
The tragic murder of Peter Falconio shocked both Australia and the UK, thrusting his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, into the public eye. Lees faced a harrowing ordeal during a journey with Falconio across the Australian outback when Murdoch, known as the “Outback killer,” attacked them. Despite the trauma, Lees managed to escape and seek help after Murdoch shot Falconio and held her at gunpoint.
Following the incident, Lees’ narrative stirred public debate, especially after Murdoch’s trial and conviction. Controversy arose around Lees’ prior relationship with another backpacker before Falconio’s disappearance, which she later admitted was a mistake. Throughout the scrutiny, including her media appearances and modifications to her police statement, Lees maintained her stance and utilized her interviews to keep the case in the public eye.
Lees later penned her autobiography, detailing her upbringing and the challenges she faced, including financial struggles. She pursued studies in sociology and eventually became a social worker in West Yorkshire. In a surprising turn of events, Lees discovered a half-sister in Sydney in 2017, leading her to seek Australian citizenship to strengthen their bond.
Reflecting on the tragic event, Lees acknowledged the profound impact it had on her life, expressing a sense of incompleteness until Falconio’s body is found. She made a poignant visit back to the assault site in 2017 in an effort to understand the perpetrator’s actions and honor her love for Falconio. Since then, she has chosen to step away from the public spotlight.
