New search launched for Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy’s body
A new search is underway for Samantha Murphy’s body, months after her phone was found near a dam.
Victoria Police launched a targeted search in the Ballarat area on Tuesday as part of the investigation into the Victorian mother’s disappearance.
The search is focussed on bushland in a new area near Grenville.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“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 were involved in the search,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Since February, police have regularly undertaken a range of enquiries and small-scale searches as part of the current investigation.
“Samantha’s family has also been advised of the search.”
The search will resume on Wednesday, and members of the public are urged not to attend the area.
Murphy, 51, was last seen leaving her home for a 14km run along a route she regularly travelled in the Canadian State Forest on February 4.
Her body is yet to be found, despite extensive searches by police and members of the public.
In March, police searched extensively for the missing mother in the Buninyong area but could not find any trace of her.
There have also been extensive searches of the Canadian State Forest and Enfield State Park.
In June, missing persons squad detectives found Murphy’s mobile phone in its teal-coloured case near a dam in Buninyong, approximately 10 minutes from Murphy’s Ballarat home.
The phone was undamaged and in near-perfect working condition.
Alleged killer remains in custody
Murphy’s alleged killer Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, remains behind bars after his last appearance in court on August 8, and is not expected to appear again until November 14.
In August prosecutors asked the court to adjourn the committal mention for 12 weeks to allow them to go through a brief of evidence which contains “extensive” CCTV.
Stephenson is the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, who played 15 games for Geelong and Richmond between 2012 and 2014.
— With AAP
Originally published on 7NEWS
