Falconio Murder Case

[Peghead]

I know I'm probably being thick - but what are the prosecution saying that Murdoch's motive was? I don't understand what he could have gained from randomly stopping a van and murdering the driver then abducting the girlfriend, especially when he had a trunk full of drugs.

Does anyone have an opinion on this case? I'm not saying that I think the girlfriend is lying, but something doesn't seem to add up.

I know this isn't a particularly intersting subject, but I was talking to some friends last night who are convinced that its a clear cut case of murder. Just wondering what the general opinion is. Maybe I've missed something!

[chazza]

I think it is all very strange. The body has never been found and there are theories that he has done a "Reggie Perrin"

[funnywebsite]

I believe he killed him. He was probably hoping to rape the girl friend. He was probably taking his own drugs. Australia is a big place and you can easily get rid of a body. In fact in Tenerife you can easily get rid of somebody.

[LazyGun]

Its certainly true that there are puzzling aspects to this case, and it is one I have followed partly because of that, and also because I was in Australia on vacation when this whole thing started.

The prosecution allege that Murdochs motive was rape and possibly I guess theft. It does seem a little strange however that if he was planning a rape that he would choose a road where you are lucky if you see one vehicle a day.It could have been a spur of the moment thing I suppose.He has been charged with or has a conviction for rape I understand.

Lots of inconsistencies surround this case, it seems to me.

[Peghead]

Thanks for your responses - I know this is quite a controversial subject.

I like the "reggie perrin" theory, but if Murdoch was taking his own drugs that would explain a lot. There are just so many possibilities.

I would be useless on the the jury!

[Peghead]

I agree LazyGun - Murdoch sounds like a really dodgy character, but is that enough to convict him?

Thanks for clearing up the motive.

[Drusilla]

I doubt Murdoch expected to meet anyone on his drug runs and took the opportunity that presented itself. I believe it was his intention to rape her and then dispose of both bodies.
The chances of being caught would have been small, but for her escaping his clutches.
I think people often underestimate the size of Australia (think USA) and how few people actually live there. I'm amazed at the Australian authorities ability to keep any semblance of law and order outside of the major cities.
To drift off the point, take a look at the comparison maps on www.ga.gov.au
Click on Education, then on Fab Facts, then Dimensions, and finally Aust Size Comparisons.
I think it becomes easier to understand the Wild West attitude that people like Murdoch are able to freely embrace in the Outback.
The Outback is the only place in the world that ever made me appreciate Hackney.

[Peghead]

Thanks Drusilla, you're right, I don't think most people realise how vast Australia is. I certainly didn't until I looked on the link you suggested!

It's interesting to hear other people's theories, which is why I posted this question. I'm still undecided in the details, but agree Murdoch does seem to be the guilty party. The problem is do the police have enough evidence?

I suppose we'll have to wait and see.

Thanks again for your responses! : )

[Chessman]

At present, the bit I don't understand is, she was hiding not far from the truck, but the dog didn't find her.

[coyn]

Before you think the case against Murdoch doesn't make any sense you should know that he was tried for the abduction and rape of a woman and her twelve year old daughter who he had forced off the road miles from anywhere in the outback.

The jury found him not guilty.

He is a very unlucky man isn't he to be charged twice for crimes he didn't commit?

[Peter Pedant]

It was a lonely route and he was using it for drugs.

I think he came across people by chance and they disappeared. - but she didnt

Apparently people do, along that long and dusty road etc etc.

In Oz law as in English, the fact you cant show a motive is irrelevant. His big probelm, bar that he did it, is that her blood got inside his car, which er it shouldnt have if he had never seen her.

he told another con, Oz is full of them, that the way to get rid of a body is to stuff it down a storm drain. That's falconio giving the info by the way, not me.

[Dolly1308]

Peter Pedant ,I don't understand ,I thought Falconio was presumed dead so how could the info come from him?

[Dolly1308]

Also Peter what is it that OZ is full of ?

[Dolly1308]

sorry if I seem a bit dim !

[johnlambert]

I just dont trust her one wee bit, lots of thing dont add up, plus (and this doesnt make her a bad person) she was sleeping with someone while still with peter.

She aint telling the truth!!!!!!!