One Year On: The Search for Samantha Murphy Continues
It’s been almost a year since Samantha Murphy, a Ballarat woman, went missing after leaving her home for a run. Despite extensive searches and a murder charge being laid, her body remains unfound.
As the anniversary of her disappearance approaches, detectives from the Missing Persons Squad are reaffirming their commitment to finding Samantha and bringing closure to her family and loved ones.
What Happened to Samantha?
Samantha was last seen leaving her Eureka Street home around 7am on Sunday, February 4, 2024. She had planned to go for a run in the Canadian Forest area, a route she regularly took.
A 23-year-old man was later charged with her murder, but Samantha’s body has yet to be found.
The Search Efforts
Over the past 12 months, numerous searches have taken place in areas such as Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest, and Buninyong Bushland Reserve.
These searches have involved various units from Victoria Police, including the Missing Persons Squad, Crime Command, and the Dog Squad, as well as other agencies like the Australian Federal Police and the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine. Many dedicated community members have also volunteered their time to help with the search.
The Investigation Continues
The investigation into Samantha’s disappearance is ongoing, with further searches expected to take place in the coming months.
Police are still working closely with the Murphy family and are urging anyone with information to come forward. If you have any information, no matter how small, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au
A Message from the Police
Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan from the Missing Persons Squad says, “As we approach the one-year anniversary, our thoughts are with the Murphy family and all of Samantha’s friends and loved ones.
We want to reassure the community that we remain committed to finding Samantha and returning her to her family. We believe that with the help of the community, we can still locate her.”
What You Can Do to Help
If you’re out in the Enfield State Forest or surrounding areas, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for anything that might be connected to Samantha’s disappearance.
If you think you might have found something, don’t hesitate to contact the police immediately. Your help could bring closure to Samantha’s family and loved ones.