Police deploy ‘specialists’ from crime command in hunt for missing jogger

Victoria Police is conducting ‘targeted’ searches as the investigation into missing jogger Samantha Murphy steps up.

A composite image of missing mum Samantha Murphy and volunteers searching for her.

Victoria Police has ramped up its investigation into the mystery of missing jogger Samantha Murphy as the state’s top cop Shane Patton described the case as suspicious.

Almost two weeks since the Ballarat mother vanished during a Sunday morning jog, police have deployed what they described as “specialist resources” from crime command in the hunt for the Ballarat mother.

Police said the investigation, being led by the missing persons squad, had found no evidence to indicate “anything sinister” behind Ms Murphy’s disappearance.

“The fact she has been gone for 10 days now and we haven’t located any trace of her despite a significant investigation remains suspicious in itself and is certainly highly concerning,” the police said in a statement.

Detectives are probing hundreds of pieces of information, including reviewing CCTV, and are launching targeted searches of the bushland where she is believed to have been jogging.

Chief Commissioner Patton said it was unclear if her disappearance was the result of a crime or accident.

“It’s certainly unusual when we haven’t been able to locate any trace of her or any other evidence within that period of time,” he said.

“It’s suspicious, whether that means there’s foul play involved, or not, I don’t know, but obviously detectives are investigating a matter where a woman’s been missing for a significant period of time.

“Call it unusual, call it suspicious, but it certainly is of significant concern to us and so traumatic for the family, so traumatic for her friends.

SES crews search for Ballarat East woman Samantha Murphy, PICTURE : NCA Newswire / Nicki Connolly

Mr Patton said detectives were “working with the family, working with the friends” as they probed timelines, CCTV and any clues provided by the public.

Ms Murphy, 51, has not been since she left her Eureka St house in Ballarat East around 7am on February 4. The keen jogger who would regularly cover distances of up to 15km was believed to have been headed to the Woowookarung Regional Park or the Canadian State Forest.

Victoria Police’s missing persons unit is leading the investigation, although the official search through rugged terrain has ended.

Last week, Jess Murphy stood beside her father, Michael, as she pleaded for help and for clues as to the location of her mother.

“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, we would really appreciate it.

As she wiped tears from her eyes, Ms Murphy, with a shaky voice, delivered a message to her missing mother.

“Mum, we love you so much and we miss you and we need you at home with us,” she said.

“I can’t wait to see you and give you the biggest hug when I do, and to tell you off for giving us so much stress.”