Murdoch Dies Defiant: Last Words to Police Were 'Get Out'

Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio, died in a palliative care unit on July 16, 2025. The Northern Territory coroner's inquest concluded on Thursday, marking the end of proceedings related to his death from throat cancer. Murdoch had been serving a life sentence for the 2001 murder of the 28-year-old backpacker and the assault of his girlfriend, Joanne Lees.

Weeks before his passing, police made a final attempt to ascertain the location of Falconio's remains. Murdoch, however, maintained his innocence and refused to watch a video prepared by Falconio's parents. Shortly before his death, officers visited him again, but Murdoch's only response was to yell at them to "get out."

The inquest heard that Murdoch, a former mechanic and truck driver, had pursued further education during his 22-year imprisonment. While generally considered courteous, his behavior towards medical staff reportedly changed after his cancer diagnosis, when he sometimes verbally abused them. Despite family concerns, the coroner found Murdoch received excellent medical care.

Luciano and Joan Falconio, Peter's parents, expressed relief at Murdoch's death in July 2025, though they still hope his remains will be found. A reward of up to $500,000 remains available for information leading to the discovery of Peter Falconio's body.