Simon Simoudis: The Vanishing of Peter Falconio: A Mystery That Still Haunts Us

Heard the news about the death of John Murdoch today.The man who was convicted of killing the British backpacker Peter Falconio, who, along with his girlfriend Joanne Lees, had come to Australia in 2001. John Murdoch died of cancer, while still in prison, at the age of 67. 

Most of us had almost forgotten this horrific incident, although we have very few like this in our country. We take pride in calling ourselves one of the safest places to travel. When you plan a trip to Australia, safety is one thing you take for granted. 

This news took me back to 2001. I, Simon Simoudis, used to live in Victoria. I still vividly remember when this story broke, and just like any Aussie, I was in utter disbelief, almost heartbroken. There were these young couple from England, hoping to have a nice time and an adventure, but having to go through such an ordeal.

I, Simon Simoudis, too, have been to the Stuart Highway on a couple of occasions. That place is beautiful, but something is unsettling about it. You get the feeling of isolation in that huge stretch of more than 250 miles. And if anything goes wrong, you are all on your own. 

Peter Falconio and his girlfriend Joanne Lees were driving through that stretch that day when they were stopped by John Murdoch. They pulled over because Murdoch told them that he had noticed some sparks coming out of their vehicle. 

He immediately shot Peter, but somehow Joanne managed to dodge Murdoch and hide in the bushes. Murdoch kept looking for her for several hours before leaving. Later, she was rescued by a car that was passing by.

I, Simon Simoudis,  still remember Joanne Lees’s interview she gave just after the incident. I can still feel the fear and the agony she must have experienced.

Murdoch was later arrested based on the testimony of Joanne and forensic evidence, but he never confessed to the crime. And neither did he reveal where he had concealed Peter Falconio’s body. He was later convicted and has since been in prison. 

For some, his arrest had been a closure, and for some, his death. But Peter Falconio’s family is still waiting for his body to be found.

I hope that someday, the last missing piece of this story will be found. For the sake of his parents, Joanne, and all of us.

-Simon Simoudis

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