The 22-year-old Scotsburn man charged with murder over the suspicious disappearance of Samantha Murphy, 51, has been identified as Patrick Stephenson, the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson.
Suppression orders preventing Patrick Stephenson’s name from being published were challenged by media outlets on Friday, and have since been lifted.
Stephenson, who police do not believe to be known to the Murphy family, is accused of killing Samantha Murphy in what Victoria Police has called a “deliberate attack”.
Police have not confirmed what led to the arrest of Stephenson, or what they believe the motive behind his alleged actions were. However, they have confirmed that there is still no sign of Murphy’s body.
Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton gave an update on the investigation, stating that it was “far from over”.
“The man was interviewed over a number of hours, a number of search warrants have been executed, as a result of those investigations, he has today been charged with the murder of Samantha,” Patton said on Thursday, per The Guardian.
“[We] will be alleging that murder occurred at Mount Clear the day she disappeared. In the interview with the suspect, he has not disclosed to police where her body is. I want to be very clear on limiting what I can say given there has now been a charge of murder laid.
“Obviously we will continue to gather further evidence and will be taking further statements and investigations … Importantly, doing everything we can [to locate] Samantha’s body for the family is absolutely vital and something we focus on.”
“I’m not going to any further detail other to say it we are alleging a deliberate attack which has caused the death of Samantha.”
Samantha Murphy, a 51-year-old woman from East Ballarat, went missing on February 4 after leaving her home for a run at 7am. She has not been seen since.
Despite extensive searches for Murphy, Victorian Police have confirmed that there are no further updates on her whereabouts.
“We understand that there is a continued high level of interest in this investigation and concern about Samantha’s disappearance. However it remains critical that any speculation does not impede any aspects of the investigation,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said, per the ABC.
Police are still calling for anyone who might have relevant information, dashcam footage or CCTV who haven’t already spoken to police to come forward.
Stephenson was not required to enter a plea during his hearing on Thursday.
Image source: 9News
