Location of Samantha Murphy’s body remains unknown with accused killer refusing to talk

The location of Samantha Murphy’s body remains unknown, as alleged murderer Patrick Stephenson maintains his silence.

The location of Samantha Murphy’s body remains unknown, with alleged murderer Patrick Stephenson maintaining his silence.

The location of Samantha Murphy’s body remains unknown, as alleged murderer Patrick Stephenson maintained his silence after spending a fourth night in custody.

The 22-year-old has reserved his right to remain silent, giving detectives little to no help as they continue to try to locate Ms Murphy’s remains.

The Sunday Herald Sun understands Mr Stephenson has continually declined to co-operate with police since his arrest on Wednesday.

One aspect of the investigation police are focusing on is an analysis of security camera footage recently obtained from businesses in a light industrial and residential area in Ballarat East.

The location of Samantha Murphy’s body remains unknown.

Homeowners and businesses in Elsworth, Joseph and Butt streets in the suburb of Canadian confirmed police had approached them requesting security camera footage from around the time Ms Murphy went missing.

It remains unclear whether any of that footage seized by police shows Ms Murphy or any potential vehicles of interest. Police have also searched the area, which includes businesses such as car detailers, roller-door companies and gymnasiums.

Elsworth St East leads into thick bushland managed by Parks Victoria.

Sunday marks five weeks since the 51-year-old was allegedly killed by Mr Stephenson, as her family remain desperate for more answers.

Mr Stephenson’s silence continued after Ms Murphy’s husband, Mick, issued a passionate plea for the young man to confess the whereabouts of her body.

“We are hoping he has a bit of a change of heart and that he will co-operate. That will help bring her home,” he said on Friday. “We’d just like some more answers now.”

Ballarat community members held a vigil at the Eureka Stockade Memorial Park for Samantha Murphy on Friday night. Picture: Mark Stewart

Victoria Police’s Chief Commissioner Shane Patton also said the accused had not disclosed the location of Ms Murphy’s body.

“In the interview with the suspect, he has not disclosed where Samantha’s body is,” Mr Patton said on Thursday.

He also confirmed officers would not be conducting planned searches over the weekend unless the location had been uncovered by other means.

Detectives and resilient Ballarat volunteers have scoured through dense bush around the regional city for five weeks, to no avail.

It also remains unclear the specific evidence police gathered before moving to arrest Mr Stephenson on Wednesday.

Neighbours said they saw police swoop on a home on Yendon No. 2 Rd, in Scotsburn, about 6.30am on Wednesday – the time Mr Stephenson was arrested.

One neighbour also said police seized Mr Stephenson’s vehicle – understood to be a white four-wheel-drive.

That vehicle continues to be forensically examined by specialist officers.

Mr Stephenson’s lawyer, David Taminika, was contacted for comment.