Key suspect taken to site visit in Samantha Murphy murder investigation, sources confirmed

The key suspect in the murder of the mother of three has been taken from prison under heavy police guard to bushland where she went missing, according to sources.

The key suspect in Samantha Murphy’s murder has been taken by detectives into bushland near where she was last seen alive, with investigators desperate for a breakthrough as they continue searches for her body.

Detectives from the missing persons unit are now keen to escort him there a second time.

The Herald Sun can reveal that Patrick Orren Stephenson, who is charged with Ms Murphy’s murder, was taken from prison under heavy police guard late last year.

And sources have confirmed that investigators are eager for Mr Stephenson to revisit the area in and around the Canadian Forest in Ballarat where the mother of three went missing on February 4, 2024.

Samantha Murphy’s body has never been found.

Court sketch of Patrick Orren Stephenson, 23, who has been charged with Samantha Murphy’s murder. Picture: Paul Tyquin

Mr Stephenson has denied any involvement in Ms Murphy’s murder and Ms Murphy’s body has never been found.

The Herald Sun has not confirmed the reason Mr Stephenson was removed from prison, which would have required special approval from the most senior chiefs at Victoria Police and Corrections Victoria.

It is not suggested Mr Stephenson, 23, knows where Ms Murphy’s body was left or that he was involved in her alleged murder.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, was charged over the murder of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, left, with his father Orren Stephenson right. Picture: Facebook

Investigators from Victoria Police’s missing persons unit, however, continue to make attempts to trace Ms Murphy’s last movements.

Mr Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to Ms Murphy’s murder, which is being fast-tracked towards a trial.

Ms Murphy, a 51-year-old mother of three, left her Eureka St property for an early morning run before her disappearance, sparking a massive search effort and police investigation.

Mr Stephenson, the son of former Richmond and Geelong AFL player Orren Stephenson, was arrested and charged over her murder a month later.

Police and members of the public have conducted exhaustive searches for Ms Murphy, but no trace of her has been found.

Police have examined a car, studied CCTV and phone records, including messages, as part of its case.

Victorian Police divers during a search for missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy, several months after her disappearance. Picture: Ian Wilson

Police with dogs join a search in an area around Enfield State Park in Victoria during a search for the body of Samantha Murphy who went missing after going for a run in February, 2024. Picture: David Crosling

Police found Ms Murphy’s phone buried in mud on the edge of a dam in May last year.

But it is understood a critical part of the investigation has surrounded Mr Stephenson’s internet searches.

The murder suspect is being held on remand as investigations continue into Ms Murphy’s disappearance and presumed death.

The trial is set to begin later in the year.