Murder-accused Patrick Orren Stephenson reportedly taken to bushland in search for Samantha Murphy

The man charged with murdering Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy has reportedly been taken out of jail to assist investigators.

The man accused of killing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy has reportedly been taken to the bushland area where police suspect her body remains.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, who has been in custody since March last year, was taken from jail to bushland on the edge of Ballarat, the National News Network reports.

The excursion to an area in and around the Canadian Forest in Ballarat was held “late last year” and “investigators are eager for Mr Stephenson to revisit the area”, the report states.

The media report cites unnamed sources, and it is understood police and Corrections Victoria executives would have had to sign off on Mr Stephenson being taken outside jail.

Mr Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder.

Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy was last seen in February, 2024. Picture: Facebook

It is not suggested that his visit to the bushland site indicates that Mr Stephenson, 23, knows where Ms Murphy’s body was left or that he was involved in her alleged murder.

Victoria Police would not provide comment on the reports, saying the case remained before the courts.

“This investigation remains a significant priority for Victoria Police and again, we are incredibly mindful the matter is very much before the court,” the statement read.

Patrick Orren Stephenson is expected to stand trial later this year. Picture: NewsWire / Paul Tyquin

Ms Murphy disappeared in early February 2024, while going for a run. She has not been seen since.

Mr Stephenson was arrested and charged with murder a month later. He is expected to stand trial in the Supreme Court later in the year.

In a court hearing last year, Mr Stephenson’s lawyer said there was an “unprecedented” amount of evidence to review.

Ms Murphy’s disappearance remains national news. She was last seen in the area of her Ballarat East home about 7am, February 4. Her family raised the alarm when she did not come home.

Police have searched large and varied areas of forest around Ballarat. Picture: NewsWire /Pool / David Crosling

Her daughter Jess and husband Mick made an emotional plea for information four days later, following extensive police and SES searches of Ballarat bushland.

Following a week of intensive searches involving general public volunteers, official efforts were scaled back.

Mr Stephenson was arrested and charged in early March 2024. He is an electrician and the son of former AFL player Orren Stephenson.

Police found Ms Murphy’s phone in a dam in the area of Buninyong, south of Ballarat, in May last year.