Police in Australia have announced a new reward of up to A$500,000 (£240,000; $325,000) for information leading to the discovery of the remains of British backpacker Peter Falconio, 24 years after his murder. Mr Falconio was shot dead on a remote stretch of highway about 300km (190miles) north of Alice Springs in July 2001. The 28-year-old from Huddersfield was travelling around Australia with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, who was also from the West Yorkshire town. In 2005, Bradley Murdoch was convicted of murdering Mr Falconio, but has never revealed the location of his body. Murdoch was also convicted of the attempted kidnap and assault of Ms Lees, who managed to escape by hiding in the surrounding bushland. Acting Commander Mark Grieve of Northern Territory Police told a press conference on Tuesday investigators wanted to "bring some sliver of resolution to Peter's family by bringing home his remains". "Police still hold out hope that someone might be able to provide some vital information to assist in this search." Appealing to potential witnesses, he said it is never to late to speak to investigators. "You never know how beneficial that information you may hold may be. Sometimes you do not know what you know," Mr Grieve said. He added that police had "made numerous approaches" to Mr Murdoch, including this week, but said that "unfortunately... on all occasions he has chosen not to engage with police". Police have previously made renewed calls for information on the 15th and 20th anniversaries of Mr Falconio's death. Murdoch, 67, was sentenced to 28 years in an Alice Springs prison, and was due to be eligible for parole in 2032. However, the Northern Territory's "no body, no parole" legislation mean Murdoch will not be eligible for parole if he refuses to help police locate Mr Falconio's remains. Media reports this week have suggested that Murdoch is suffering from terminal cancer and has been transferred to palliative care, but police have said they cannot comment.
New reward to find murdered British backpacker's remains
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"Australian Police Offer Reward for Information on British Backpacker Peter Falconio's Remains"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a renewed effort to locate the remains of British backpacker Peter Falconio, who was murdered 24 years ago, Australian police have announced a reward of up to A$500,000 (approximately £240,000 or $325,000) for information that could lead to their discovery. Falconio was shot dead in July 2001 on a remote highway located about 300 kilometers north of Alice Springs while traveling across Australia with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees. Following an investigation, Bradley Murdoch was convicted of Falconio's murder in 2005, but he has consistently refused to disclose the location of Falconio's remains. Additionally, Murdoch was found guilty of attempted kidnap and assault against Lees, who managed to escape and hide in the bushland surrounding the scene of the crime. Acting Commander Mark Grieve of the Northern Territory Police emphasized the importance of bringing closure to Falconio's family and expressed hope that new information may still surface, encouraging witnesses to come forward even after so many years.
The police have previously made significant appeals for information on the anniversaries of Falconio's death, but with little success. Murdoch, currently 67 years old, is serving a 28-year sentence in an Alice Springs prison and is not eligible for parole due to the Northern Territory's 'no body, no parole' legislation, which prevents parole for those who do not assist authorities in locating remains. Recent media reports have indicated that Murdoch may be suffering from terminal cancer and has been moved to palliative care. However, law enforcement has refrained from commenting on his health status. As the investigation continues, police remain hopeful that someone may possess crucial information that could aid in resolving this long-standing case and bringing Falconio's remains home to his family.
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