In July 2001, British backpackers Peter Falconio and Joanne Lees were traveling along a remote highway in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Late at night, another vehicle pulled up beside their van.

Moments later, Peter was shot and Joanne was bound and forced into a terrifying fight for survival in the darkness of the outback. She managed to escape, hiding in the scrub for hours before help arrived.

Peter Falconio was never found.

In this episode, we examine the chilling events along the Stuart Highway, the investigation that followed, and why the disappearance of Peter’s body continues to leave unanswered questions in one of Australia’s most infamous outback crimes.