TRANSCRIPT
The search for missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy is still ongoing.
But five weeks since her disappearance, Patrick Stephenson can now be revealed as the man charged with her murder.
The 22-year-old suspect is also the son of ex-AFL player Orren Stephensen, whose career included stints at Geelong and Richmond.
Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton says they allege Ms Murphy died in a deliberate attack, after leaving her home to go on a trail run.
"I'm not going to go into the details of how Samantha died, I'm just simply going to say she was murdered on the day of her disappearance. This investigation is far from over though, obviously we are going to be continuing to gather further evidence. We'll be taking further statements and investigations will continue at a very heavy pace."
Victoria Police this week arrested the suspect at his home south of Ballarat.
His identity had initially been suppressed by the Magistrates Court.
But media pressure fast-tracked a hearing to urgently resolve the matter.
A day later, his lawyer withdrew the suppression application on his client's behalf.
Police say they are continuing to search for information regarding the case.
(We're) "Doing everything we can to locate Samantha's body for the family is absolutely vital and something we will be focusing on. Anyone who has any information even the slightest bit of information that you might not think is relevant please contact crime stoppers."
Weeks of searching since her disappearance on February 4 hasn't resulted in any sign of Ms Murphy's remains.
But with her distraught family left without answers, Jasmin Krauss, a local volunteering in the search, says those taking part are determined to help them resolve the matter.
"Just to get Samantha home to her loved ones so they can say goodbye and have closure. We would not even want to imagine what they're going through it must be a lot for them to deal with and come to terms with."
A vigil is being held by the Ballarat community for the missing mother-of-three.
Mayor of Ballarat Des Hudson says local residents are united in grief by her loss.
"I think for the family that we all send our love and support to them at this very difficult time. This has been a tragic outcome for our community, but no more so than for the Murphy family themselves and our hearts, our minds and our compassion will always be with them for their loss."
The accused, Patrick Stephenson, has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance.
He is yet to enter a plea.
