Samantha Murphy’s alleged killer Patrick Stephenson taken to bushland for second time

The man accused of murdering missing mum Samantha Murphy has reportedly been taken to remote bushland for a second time.

The man accused of murdering missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy has reportedly been taken under police guard to remote Victorian bushland for a second time, as detectives continue their search for her remains.

Patrick Stephenson, 23, was recently transported from Melbourne Assessment Prison to Enfield State Park, south of Ballarat, where excavators were used to dig up an undisclosed area, 7NEWS reported.

It marks the second time Stephenson has been escorted to the area by police, following a similar operation in November last year. Despite the latest efforts, no remains were found.

Ms Murphy, a mother of three, disappeared on February 4, 2023, after setting out for a 14km run through the Canadian State Forest, a route she was known to frequent.

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22 has pleaded not guilty to the murder of missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy. Picture: Supplied/Facebook

Ms Murphy disappeared on February 4, 2023. Picture: Supplied

Her disappearance sparked a major search operation involving both police and the public, focusing on bushland areas including the Canadian State Forest, Enfield State Park and Buninyong Bushland Reserve.

Mr Stephenson was arrested a month later and charged with Ms Murphy’s murder.

He has pleaded not guilty and has been committed to stand trial in the Supreme Court.

Police have not disclosed what led them to return to the search site, and it is not suggested Mr Stephenson’s visit indicates he knows where Ms Murphy’s body is.

Police reportedly took Mr Stephenson to Enfield State Park as the search for Ms Murphy continues. Picture: NewsWire /pool / David Crosling

Ms Murphy’s credit cards, driver’s licence and iPhone — encased in a teal-coloured cover — were recovered from the bottom of a dam in Buninyong in June last year. The phone was reportedly found in near-perfect working condition.

Mr Stephenson remains in custody.

Victoria Police declined to comment on the latest reports as the case remains 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,” a spokesman said.

Originally published as Samantha Murphy’s alleged killer Patrick Stephenson taken to bushland for second time