The police chief of Victoria said that Samantha Murphy’s murder was a deliberate act that happened on the day she went missing.
A 22-year-old Scotsburn man was charged with murder and appeared in court today.
He was arrested at a home in the early hours of Thursday.
Shane Patton, the police commissioner of Victoria, told reporters that the man had been interviewed by investigators for over 30 hours following his arrest.
He stated that the police believed the killing was a deliberate act, though they didn’t identify whether alcohol or drugs were involved.
Patton wouldn’t elaborate on the details surrounding the incident. However, he stated that the police believed that the killing was deliberate.
The suspect, who was identified as the son of a player from the Australian Football League, appeared in court this afternoon.
The court heard that the man’s case had several management issues due to his young age.
His lawyer, Daniel Tamineka, argued that his client was at risk of committing suicide. According to Patton, the man did not tell the police where the body of Samantha Murphy was.
The police will oppose the bail application of the suspect.
Patton stated that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing, and that the search for the body of the missing woman would continue.
The police also urged the public to help in the search. They will claim that Ms Murphy was killed at Mount Clear.
The police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the case.
Patton noted that the community’s focus on the Murphy family had been unnecessary.
He stated that the detectives informed the victim’s family of the murder.
During such cases, the families are often the ones who come under the scrutiny.
The police noted that the Murphy family had been cooperative and provided them with everything they needed.