Victoria Police reveal new search for allegedly murdered Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy
Victoria police have launched a new search for allegedly murdered mother Samantha Murphy; This was a striking development ahead of the trial of the alleged killer.
A police spokesperson confirmed to The Nightly that detectives from the missing persons squad carried out a “targeted search in the Ballarat area today”.
“Since February 2024, police have regularly carried out a number of inquiries and minor searches as part of the current investigation,” they said.
“We are not in a position at this time to provide further specific details regarding operational activities today.”
9News reports the search is focused on the Enfield State Park area south of Ballarat.
A police spokesman said they could not confirm his location but asked “the public not to participate in the search at this time”.
Ms. Murphy was last seen alive on the morning of February 4, 2024, when she went for a run.
The 51-year-old mother has not been found since that day.
In March 2024, police charged 23-year-old shopkeeper Patrick Orren Stephenson with Ms Murphy’s murder.
Police had previously searched parts of Enfield State Park, including in September 2024.
A trial date has been set for Mr Stephenson, who will appear in court on April 8 next year.
The trial is expected to last six weeks.
A police spokesman said: “We are not in a position to comment further on the investigation as the matter is currently before the court.”
More to come.
