Man arrested after fatal stabbing of French tourist in Northern Territory outback
A Victorian man is being held for questioning by police following the fatal stabbing of a French tourist in the Northern Territory's outback.
Police arrested 35-year-old Pande Veleski after the visitor was killed at a roadside rest stop in Aileron, on Wednesday afternoon.
The French couple had only recently arrived in Australia and were alone at the Connor Well rest stop on the Stuart Highway, about 135km north of Alice Springs, when approached by an unknown man on Wednesday afternoon.
NT Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst said on Thursday the 33-year-old French national was stabbed in the neck and died at the scene.
The victim's wife flagged down another couple in a passing car shortly after the attack, with a nurse staying at the scene while her husband drove 30km to the nearest telephone at the Aileron Roadhouse to call police.
It's alleged the attacker headed to the Ti Tree area, about 200km north of Alice Springs, and disappeared on foot into the bushland.
An overnight manhunt ensued until a police helicopter located a man about 8.30am Thursday.
"At first light the use of a helicopter allowed police to locate a male in that area," NT Detective Superintendent Travis Wurst said.
“(On Thursday), police arrested a 35-year-old man in relation to the death. He is currently in custody and will be interviewed in due course.”
The victim's partner, 30, was treated for shock at the Alice Springs Hospital, but had not been physically injured in the incident.
Detective Superintendent Wurst said the tragedy was an "unprovoked attack".
"This is an absolutely devastating occurrence for her and for her family and that of the deceased as well.
"She's particularly traumatised by the event," he said.
“It is believed the offender was driving a gunmetal grey Hyundai i20 hatchback, Victorian registration 1HU 1CC,” Det Supt Wurst said.
The victims were driving a 1998 maroon Toyota Rav4.
“We are extremely interested in speaking with anyone who may have sighted either vehicle, or had contact with any of the occupants of these cars in the days leading up to yesterday’s incident,” Det Supt Wurst said.
The French consulate general is providing support to the victim's family.
"Our immediate thoughts go to the family of the victim to whom we send our most sincere condolences," it said in a statement.
The area where the man was arrested was just 100km from where British backpacker Peter Falconio disappeared 15 years ago.
Falconio disappeared in 2001 while travelling through the central Australian desert with his girlfriend Joanne Lees. His body was never found but he was presumed dead.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
