Notorious outback killer Bradley John Murdoch yelled at police to 'get out' as he lay dying in hospital, refusing to the last to reveal where he hid the body of British backpacker Peter Falconio, an inquest has heard.
The Northern Territory coroner Elisabeth Armitage on Thursday concluded an inquest into the 66-year-old's death from throat cancer on 16 July 2025 at the palliative care unit of Alice Springs hospital. Murdoch was serving a life sentence for murdering 28-year-old Falconio and assaulting and attempting to kidnap his girlfriend Joanne Lees on the Stuart Highway near Barrow Creek in July 2001.
The inquest heard that weeks before his death, police made a final effort to find Falconio's remains, bringing a video from Falconio's parents. However, Murdoch refused to watch it, maintaining his innocence. Days before his death, officers visited him in the palliative care unit but were only at his bedside for about 30 seconds before he yelled at them to leave.
The coroner said she was satisfied Murdoch received high quality and timely medical care and was treated in a considerate and compassionate manner. Falconio's parents expressed relief at Murdoch's death but said they still hoped his remains would be found. A reward of up to $500,000 is available for information leading to the discovery of Falconio's remains.
