Police appeal after Jodus Murphy, 18, found dead

Police are asking for the public’s help to piece together the movements of a teenager found dead more than a month after he vanished.

Police are appealing for information after the body of a young man was discovered next to a river more than 150km from his home.

The body of Jodus Tenetahi Murphy, 18, was found near the Goulburn River in central Victoria on June 14 after going missing from Seaford in Melbourne’s southeast.

The teenager vanished more than four weeks earlier on May 12, and is believed to have made his way to Seymour.

Jodus Murphy was missing for more than a month when his body was found. Picture: GoFundMe

A funeral was held on June 30. Picture: Facebook.

In a statement, Victoria Police said detectives were seeking information about Jodus’ final movements but did not believe his death was suspicious.

“Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or had any interaction with Jodus between 13 May and 14 June,” Victoria Police said.

“Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.”

Jodus was remembered as an ambitious and remarkable young man who wanted to make his mark on the world at a funeral service held in Melbourne on June 30.

Jodus was remembered as a kind and intelligent young man. Picture: Facebook

Jodus’ family described the teenager as a “good kid” with a wonderful heart.

His cousin Fabian said the pair were like brothers and had grown up together with their grandparents Linda and Leon.

“He was intelligent, many levels above us I believe,” he said.

“He also had no bad bone in him, everyone here knew him and what he was like.”

Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.