Acting inspector Lisa McDougall says ‘we’re being extremely thorough and methodical’
Investigators from the specialised unit will join the high-profile inquiry into Ballarat jogger Samantha Murphy’s disappearance.
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The family of missing woman Samantha Murphy has issued a heartfelt appeal to the public to help bring her home, as homicide investigators from the missing persons squad review the disappearance case.
The Herald Sun understands detectives from the specialised unit may be called in as early as Friday to work on the high-profile inquiry centred on bushland in the Ballarat area.
MPU officers are brought in for cases where there is a fear someone could be the victim of foul play but a body has not been found.
Its members have run inquiries into some of the state’s biggest murder probes in recent years and have had a strong success rate.
The 51-year-old left her Eureka St property about 7am on Sunday to go jogging at Woowookarung Regional Park but did not return home.
Ms Murphy’s eldest daughter, Jess Murphy, broke down in tears on Thursday as she described her mother as strong and determined.
“Mum’s a really strong woman and she’s far too determined to give up this fight,” she said.
“I know she’s out there somewhere, so if you could please continue to search for her to give us something to work with.”
Jess said all she wanted to do was give her mum “the biggest hug”.
“Mummy … we miss you and we need you at home with us,” she said.
“Please come home soon. I can’t wait to see you, and to give you the biggest hug when I do, and to tell you off for giving us so much stress. I love you.”
Ms Murphy’s husband, Michael Murphy, urged the community to contact police if they knew “any little thing”.
“People just don’t vanish into thin air,” he said.
“Someone has got to know something … whether it be any little thing that you might think is relevant, just call the police, let them know.
“It’ll give us a bit of peace of mind if we get some hope.”
Mr Murphy thanked the community for its “unbelievable” support.
“We are overwhelmed by the help of the public and the community,” he said.
“The way they’ve all formed together as a unit to help us look for Sam and her disappearance. The generosity throughout the community has been unbelievable.
“If we went in to accept all the food that would want to be cooked for us or anything like that, we wouldn’t have to buy it or go to the supermarket for 12 months.
“Thank you very much to everybody. We really, really do appreciate everything that everyone’s doing.”
Ballarat Police acting inspector Lisa McDougall said police were “keeping an open mind and considering all possibilities”.
“We’re being extremely thorough and methodical with that investigation,” Inspector McDougall said.
“The search is ongoing and we’re throwing all those resources at it in the hope that we find Samantha and get some answers for her family who are obviously concerned.”
In the past 96 hours, search areas have included Brown Hill, Black Hill, Ballarat East, Woowookarung Regional Park, Buninyong and Mount Helen. Crews were supported by drones on Thursday.
Inspector McDougall said it was unclear the exact route Ms Murphy ran on Sunday.
“I understand that Sam had a routine and that she did regularly go out walking and running in those areas,” she said. “But we’re not aware of the exact route … I think she was a recreational user of that area in general.”
Police were unable to confirm whether mineshafts were a factor in the investigation or whether Ms Murphy’s phone or watch had been tracked by investigators.
“We won’t be providing a running commentary on intelligence received or items found in the search unless they are of interest and we are seeking media assistance,” a spokeswoman said.
“If any community members have information or locate items they believe may be of interest, they should contact police to allow investigators to make a determination.”
Police confirmed the figure in CCTV footage from Sunday, released by police Wednesday, was not Ms Murphy.
Anyone who sights her is urged to call triple-0 immediately.
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