The death of notorious outback killer Bradley Murdoch has ignited hope in the search for British backpacker Peter Falconio’s remains.

Investigators today declined an interview request from 9News, saying their focus remains on finding the victim’s body.

9News understands police have been processing tip-offs since the reward for information leading to the discovery of Falconio’s remains was increased to $500,000 last month.

Authorities believe Murdoch’s death may encourage a third party previously unwilling to cooperate to come forward because while Murdoch never divulged crucial information to detectives, he may have confided in someone close to him.

“Now that he’s passed, perhaps someone may feel less intimidated or controlled by him to come forward, enticed by the reward that the Northern Territory Police offered,” former chief investigator Colleen Gwynne said.

Police say the case won’t be closed until they solve the decades-old mystery and deliver some degree of closure to the Falconio family, who are waiting desperately for answers.