Police Renew Search for Missing Ballarat Woman Samantha Murphy

Police have renewed their search for the body of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy, who disappeared over seven months ago. On Tuesday, law enforcement undertook a targeted search in the Ballarat area as part of their ongoing investigation into her disappearance, Victoria Police confirmed in a statement.

Samantha Murphy, 51, was reported missing after she left her Ballarat East home for a morning run on February 4 and did not return. Despite multiple police and community-led efforts, her body has not yet been found. According to Victoria Police, detectives from the Missing Persons Squad, along with specialist resources from New South Wales Police and the Australian Federal Police, are participating in the renewed search efforts.

“Since February, police have regularly undertaken a range of enquiries and small-scale searches as part of the current investigation,” the statement said. Murphy’s family has been informed about the search operations, which are set to continue on Wednesday. Police have also requested that the public refrain from attending the search area to prevent any interference with ongoing activities.

In March, Patrick Stephenson, 22, was charged with the murder of the missing mother-of-three, yet her body remains unfound. The latest significant advancement in the case occurred in May when Murphy’s mobile phone was discovered at the edge of a dam on farmland near Ballarat. Following this discovery, detectives conducted a “targeted search” south of Buninyong, approximately five kilometers south of the last known location of Murphy’s cellphone signal.

During the search, police identified various items of interest, including an iPhone, which was subsequently sent for forensic testing. Michael Murphy, Samantha’s husband, was notified about the discovery of the phone. He confirmed to 9News that he immediately recognized it as belonging to his wife. Police hope that data retrieved from the device might lead them to uncover Murphy’s whereabouts.

As the investigation continues, Stephenson remains in custody. The court proceedings have seen a delay, with both the defense and prosecution requesting a 12-week adjournment to review a substantial amount of evidence. The case is scheduled to return to Ballarat Magistrates Court on November 14. Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.