Grim update on the search for Samantha Murphy’s body as the alleged killer spends his fourth night behind bars
The alleged killer of Victorian mother Samantha Murphy has not revealed the whereabouts of her body after spending his fourth night behind bars.
Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, has reserved the right to remain silent since he was charged with Ms Murphy’s murder last Thursday.
It is understood Stephenson has repeatedly refused to co-operate with police and has given no indication of where Ms Murphy’s remains might be, the Sunday Herald Sun reports.
Stephenson was arrested in Scotsburn, about 11 miles from Ms Murphy’s home, last Wednesday and charged with murdering the 51-year-old the following day.
Sunday marks five weeks since Ms Murphy left her Eureka St home for a 7am run on February 4, the same day Stephenson is accused of killing her.
The remains of Victorian mother Samantha Murphy (pictured) have not been found following the arrest of her alleged killer
Patrick Orren Stephenson (left) is accused of murdering Ms Murphy on February 4, the day of her disappearance, but has not shared details of the location of her body
Her family remains desperate for closure, while her husband, Mick Murphy, pleaded with Stephenson on Friday to cooperate with police.
‘We hope that he will change his mind a little and that he will cooperate. That will help bring her home,” he said.
“We’d like some more answers now.”
Victoria Police Chief Constable Shane Patton confirmed on Thursday that Stephenson had not disclosed the location of Ms Murphy’s body.
It is unclear what specific evidence led police to Stephenson’s arrest.
However, it is understood much of Victoria Police’s investigation involved CCTV footage from the East Ballarat area.
Officers recently obtained video of a light industrial and residential area, with homes and businesses on Elsworth, Joseph and Butt streets, showing that police requested their security footage.
Elsworth St leads into bushland managed by Parks Victoria.
It is not known whether the images obtained show Ms. Murphy or other vehicles of interest.
Officers also searched the area, including car detailers, roller doors and gymnasiums.
However, Commissioner Patton revealed that police would not proceed with the planned searches this weekend unless the location of Ms Murphy’s remains was otherwise discovered.
Dedicated volunteers have searched Ballarat bushland for five weeks but have found no trace of the missing mother.
Mrs Murphy’s husband Mick Murphy (pictured) has pleaded with Stephenson to share any information he has
Sunday marks five weeks since Ms Murphy disappeared after leaving her Eureka St home to go for a run (pictured: a mourner at Ms Murphy’s wake)
Residents said they saw officers at a house on Yendon No. around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. 2 Rd, in Scotsburn – the time Stephenson was arrested.
A neighbor claimed officers seized the 22-year-old’s vehicle, a white four-wheel drive.
The car is reportedly being examined by specialist officers.