Patrick Orren Stephenson’s murder trial scheduled for April 8 next year
The 23-year-old man who allegedly killed missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy is set to face trial.
Police & Courts
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A trial date has been set for the man accused of killing missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy.
Patrick Orren Stephenson, 23, briefly appeared in the Supreme Court on Tuesday where his trial was scheduled for April 8 next year.
Mr Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, 51, who disappeared after she left her Ballarat home for a run on February 4 last year.
Her daughter Jess and husband Mike raised the alarm when she did not return home.
Mr Stephenson was arrested about a month after Ms Murphy’s disappearance.
Her body has not been found despite extensive searches.
Earlier this year, the Herald Sun revealed Mr Stephenson was taken from prison on two occasions under heavy police guard into bushland near where she was last seen alive.
Mr Stephenson, who remains in custody, will return to court later this year.
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