BREAKING: Footage from nearby CCTV shows Samantha Murphy, 51, stepping onto the quiet Ballarat street at 7:03 a.m., dressed in running gear. Her stride is normal, her face focused… until a dark figure appears from the shadows, following silently. Witnesses say she looked over her shoulder, sensing danger… but no one came to help. That was the last anyone saw her alive. Investigators now believe Patrick Orren Stephenson had been stalking her movements for days. Click the link below to see the timeline that authorities are calling crucial in the search.👇
Search for Samantha Murphy in state park could continue beyond Thursday as police seek ‘closure’
Samantha Murphy went missing in February 2024. (Ballarat Courier: Adam Trafford)
In short:
Police are continuing to search an area of state park near Ballarat for missing woman Samantha Murphy.
Investigators confirmed on Wednesday they had returned to Enfield State Park and could remain in the area beyond Thursday.
What’s next?
Patrick Orren Stephenson will face court next year charged with Ms Murphy’s murder.
Police are continuing to search a state park near Ballarat as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Samantha Murphy.
Investigators say the search could continue beyond today as they try to seek closure for Ms Murphy’s family.
Ms Murphy, aged 51 at the time she went missing, was last seen alive on February 4, 2024, when she left her home in Ballarat for a morning run.
Her body has not been found despite a number of police and community searches.
Enfield State Forest is located south of Ballarat in Victoria. (ABC News: Toby Hussey)
In March last year, Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson was charged with the murder of the mother of three.
On Wednesday, police confirmed they had returned to Enfield State Park, about 30 kilometres south of Ballarat, to search for Ms Murphy.
Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said search teams were continuing to scour the area today.
“Depending on what they locate and depending on the intelligence they’re acting upon, that might go on beyond today,” Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said.
A trail in Enfield State Park, where police have searched for the remains of missing woman Samantha Murphy for more than a year. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
“Closure is required for the family, for the loved ones.”
The 4,400 hectare park has been searched multiple times since the disappearance of Ms Murphy in February last year.
A popular spot with visitors, the park is known to also contain mine shafts.
The park covers 4,400 hectares of forested land south-east of Ballarat. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
Police have asked members of the public not to join the search at this time.
Mr Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder and is due to face the Supreme Court on April 8, 2026.
His trial will take place in Ballarat and is expected to last about six weeks.
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