Police in Ballarat, Victoria, are intensifying efforts to find the body of Samantha Murphy, who went missing in February. The search, focused on areas around Buninyong and Canadian State Forest, follows the charging of a suspect in her murder case.
Police have initiated a new search in Ballarat, Victoria, for the body of Samantha Murphy, 51, who was last seen on February 4, 2024. Murphy left her home in Ballarat East for a morning run but did not return. In March, Patrick Stephenson, 22, was charged with her murder. The latest search, which involves the Missing Persons Squad and specialized resources, is concentrated around areas such as Buninyong and Canadian State Forest, where her phone was last detected and other past searches were conducted.
Stephenson, who has not entered a plea or cooperated with police, is due to appear in court on August 8. Murphy’s family has been notified of the ongoing efforts, and authorities have asked the public to stay away from the search sites. Since her disappearance, local volunteers and police have carried out multiple searches amid varying weather conditions, but no trace of her has been found.
Police Commissioner Shane Patton stated that Murphy’s alleged murder was an intentional act, and Stephenson acted alone. Murphy’s husband, Michael, continues personal search efforts and has publicly pleaded for information.
