Alex Cracknell

News

Wed, 25 Sep, 2024

Update on search for Samantha Murphy

Update on search for Samantha Murphy

A fresh search for the body of Samantha Murphy, 51, has been initiated months after her disappearance and the discovery of her mobile phone near a dam. Murphy was last seen on February 4 when she left for a 14km run through the Canadian State Forest, a route she frequently travelled.

In a statement, a Victoria Police spokesperson said, "Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad as well as a range of specialist resources from across Victoria Police, New South Wales Police, and the Australian Federal Police are involved in the search."

The renewed search, which began on Tuesday and continues today, focuses on bushland near Grenville, a new area in the Ballarat region. Despite numerous efforts, Murphy's body has yet to be found. The police have urged the public to stay away from the area to avoid interfering with the investigation.

Murphy’s mobile phone was recovered in June by detectives near a dam in Buninyong, about 10 minutes from her home in Ballarat. The phone was found undamaged in its teal-coloured case and was still functional. Earlier searches were conducted in the Buninyong area and the Canadian State Forest, but they yielded no results.

The disappearance of the Victorian mother has gripped the local community, with many participating in earlier searches. Her family has been kept informed of the ongoing investigation.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, remains in custody as the primary suspect in Murphy’s disappearance. Stephenson, the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, was last in court on August 8 and is not expected to appear again until November 14.

Prosecutors requested a 12-week adjournment during the August hearing to review a brief of evidence, which includes extensive CCTV footage.

The investigation continues as police and specialists work tirelessly to locate Murphy’s remains and bring closure to her family.

Images: Supplied

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