The family of missing Victorian mother Samantha Murphy have solemnly marked two years since her mysterious disappearance, as the man charged with her murder prepares to stand trial in a case that has gripped the nation.
A Mother's Final Morning
Samantha Murphy, aged 51, was last seen leaving her Ballarat home for a 14-kilometre run on the morning of February 4, 2024. She was heading along a route she frequently took through the Canadian State Forest, a popular area for local runners and hikers.
The mother-of-three was carrying her mobile phone and wearing a smartwatch at the time she went missing. Data gathered from her phone indicates that about an hour after departing, she reached the Mount Clear area on foot. This location represents her last known whereabouts, with her movements after this point remaining unclear and unexplained.
Extensive Search Efforts
Since her disappearance, police and volunteers have conducted extensive searches across multiple locations in the Ballarat region. These efforts have focused on the Canadian State Forest, Enfield State Park, and the Buninyong Bushland Reserve, all areas familiar to Murphy.
In a significant development in May 2024, Murphy's credit cards, driver's licence, and iPhone were discovered submerged in mud at the bottom of a dam in Buninyong. This location sits not far from her family home. Police divers, assisted by metal detection equipment, thoroughly searched the dam area following this discovery.
Despite these intensive search operations spanning two years, Samantha Murphy's remains have not been located, leaving her family without closure.
The Accused and Upcoming Trial
Patrick Stephenson, aged 23, was arrested and charged with Murphy's murder approximately one month after her disappearance. He has entered a plea of not guilty to the murder charge.
Stephenson is reportedly the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson, who played 15 games for Geelong and Richmond between 2012 and 2014. On two separate occasions, Stephenson was escorted from Melbourne Assessment Prison to search areas in Ballarat, though the specific reasons for these movements remain part of the ongoing investigation.
The case is scheduled to proceed to trial on April 8, 2026, nearly two and a half years after Murphy's disappearance. The extended timeline reflects the complexity of a case where the victim's body has not been recovered, presenting unique challenges for prosecutors.
A Community Awaiting Answers
As the two-year anniversary passes, the Ballarat community continues to grapple with the unresolved nature of this case. The disappearance of a well-known local mother during what should have been a routine morning run has left lasting questions about safety and justice in regional communities.
The upcoming trial represents a potential pathway to answers for Murphy's family and the broader community, though the absence of physical remains adds emotional and legal complexity to proceedings. The case underscores the enduring impact of missing persons investigations on families and communities when resolution remains elusive.
