Australia Samantha Murphy, 51, last seen leaving her property to go for a run in the Canadian State Forest, Ballarat, 4 Feb 2024 *Arrest* #9

[Dotta]

I agree that Samantha and her family are the prime victims in the matter. And that such a statement as you are proposing, Dotta, would seem a gracious, dignified and compassionate response in the circumstances.

Unfortunately strong emotions such as shock and fear and disbelief frequently shut down our prefrontal cortex - the part of our brains we need to think through options clearly and with consideration.

In circumstances of shock people often react very primitively.

So I agree, such a statement would have been magnanimous, dignified and compassionate - however I think it’s also understandable that few people would have the composure at the time to necessarily act with such grace.

JMO.

It is not grace.
It is simple humanity.

I have NO further comments

JMO

 

[Trooper]

People just should not rock up to the bereaved on a mission to prove how 'gracious' and 'magnanimous' and 'dignified' and all that stuff one is, a sort of grotesque showing off event, ... , especially if one' s son is possibly the cause of the grief. Far better to wait , until the matter is settled, and then, if the bereaved are in any fit state to receive such outpourings, then fine. Until then. No.

It's about the comfort level of the Murphy's , surely, not the display of positive elements in one's own repertoire.

 

[ProfCluezo]

All of the above seem valid points to me. I don’t think it’s anyone’s place to make assertions re. “shoulds” and “shouldnts”. As others have said previously, it’s not appropriate to judge anyone else’s behaviour in these circumstances. People cope as best they can. Everyone is suffering and struggling.

 

[JLZ]

I imagine the accused's family are anxious that he not disclose anything except on legal advice. I could imagine him seeing his father or mother, bursting into tears and saying I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry before he knew what he was doing. In front of witnesses.

 

[ProfCluezo]

I imagine the accused's family are anxious that he not disclose anything except on legal advice. I could imagine him seeing his father or mother, bursting into tears and saying I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry before he knew what he was doing. In front of witnesses.

Another excellent point. There could be so many factors at play here. Essentially everything that everyone is postulating is pure speculation and there are likely to be many additional factors that have not even entered our minds. Making me wonder is there even any point even posting these kinds of speculations, in the absence of any new facts for several weeks now…? It feels a bit pointless if the purpose of this site is to help solve crimes…

JMO.

 

[Trooper]

The Stephensen family, mother father sisters, etc, are truly out of bounds of any criticism of their method of dealing with this situation they find themselves in. Any proposal that they must do this, or must do that , or lack 'grace' and 'simply humanity' and all the other pejoratives that are aimed at them is really a dead end street.

It is meaningless.

They have priorities that mean as much to them as anyones priorities do. It is entirely possible that VICPOL have requested that the Stephensons make no overtures to the Murphy's, and that may be on the request of the Murphy's . No one knows if this is so.

So all the name calling of the Stephensons, their 'lack of this, ' and 'lack of that' have no meaning unless one knows all the circumstances. Which, it goes without saying, one does not.

 

[HoneyBunOne]

JMO but I’m guessing they don’t want to be associated with the accused in any way…. ? That’s how I’d read it. Trying to draw a sharp line in the sand: “we do not wish to be associated in any way with the alleged actions of this party”…

Who can blame them really….?

As a number of WS’s have already said, unfortunately the ripples of these kinds of actions extend way beyond the direct parties involved.

I suspect the family’s quick exit is the only remaining thing they can do in these circumstances to minimise damage to other members of the family?

Unfortunately we don’t get to choose who our family members are. It isn’t pleasant being tarred with the same brush when a family members’ actions are drastically at odds with one’s own moral code.

Genetics and blood account for only so much…

Family members can be vastly different to one another….

JMO

Totally agree!
Choosing family members? If only that were possible! So many families have that one black sheep that just does not reflect the values and upbringing of the rest.

Of course they are allowed to leave the state, and the country if they want. The planet if they can. ... There is no right or wrong way to handle this, No one is braver for staying or braver for going or less brave either way, it just is what it is. People have to do what they have to do.

I was talking about if they were some sort of informants. I'm not sure what their obligations would be once they had given a statement if that were the case. Obviously if they just up and left, they could have booked tickets on the first trip to Mars if the liked.

 

[Investig8r]

I feel like that too. I think his dad was his best mate and now he realises he's seriously messed that relationship right up. I wonder if he will eventually tell all if his dad begs him to

Finally caught up again. A lot of hard work, speculation (and a bit of light humour mixed in) amongst the team! Keep up the good work

CallmeHenry: Perhaps he had already told his dad…..

 

[jjleroche]

Can they escape the infamy though?
Is there a place in this country they can feel at peace?

I doubt it.
Peace can only be found at heart.

Leaving in haste always breeds unkind comments and suspicions.

Better stay at home and meet challenges straight in the eye.
Honourably.

Ooops!
Sorry, I'm in a teacher's mode...
AGAIN

ETA
I consider them as VICTIMS too, of course!

JMO

An interesting point Dotta -"Better stay at home and meet challenges straight in the eye. Honourably."

The family of the alleged perpetrator must surely be experiencing massive grief (JMO).
Respectfully, IMO their decision to leave Ballarat (for the moment at least) is not necessarily a dishonourable decision.

To continue to function in a regional community where they are, by all accounts well-known, would be nigh on impossible,
particularly bearing in mind that Ballarat is a regional location

IMO, their ability to work in their respective professions (PS' mother as a teacher, and his father as an electrician in his own business), would be untenable.

IMO, staying put could be feasible if they lived in a metropolitan location - it would be much easier to go about their lives "under the radar".

IMO their decision was likely one of survival - it would be extraordinarily difficult to address their grief adequately if they stayed.

JMO

 

[BreakingNews]

I agree that Samantha and her family are the prime victims in the matter. And that such a statement as you are proposing, Dotta, would seem a gracious, dignified and compassionate possible response in the circumstances.

Unfortunately strong emotions such as shock and fear and disbelief frequently shut down our prefrontal cortex - the part of our brains we need to think through options clearly and with consideration.

In circumstances of shock people often react very primitively.

So I agree, such a statement could appear to some as a magnanimous, dignified and compassionate response. However I also think it’s understandable that few people would have the composure at the time to necessarily act with such grace. Others may feel such a response is not appropriate, or may be misperceived, or is unwanted….

These are complex matters, and different people have different viewpoints and perspectives, none of which are necessarily “better” or more “right” than others.

JMO.

As for the accused family apologising to the Murphy's, I think that is premature. It is only alleged that PS murdered SM. I would think a more appropriate time for that discussion be if, and after sentencing.

 

[Dotta]

As for the accused family apologising to the Murphy's, I think that is premature. It is only alleged that PS murdered SM. I would think a more appropriate time for that discussion be if, and after sentencing.

If so,
IMO also premature is treating the accused as guilty by all people close to him.
Nobody came to the Court to support him as was reported.
He is in Melbourne in Victoria but others left this State as was also reported.

JMO

 

[Trooper]

It's a free country. People died for AU to have this freedom to not go to court, or to the bus stop, or to a pub if they do not want to. No one can make them., No laws say they have to. No one says they have to support their son in court. It has no meaning in the context of matters. End of story.

Anyone can leave Victoria, even if they are under a notification of the court, as long as they tell the court where they are going to be. Only if you are under warrant, or have an order placed against you, heard by a magistrate , telling you not to go to a certain area, or not to leave a certain area for a limited amount of time are you obliged to stay in Victoria. Or NSW. Or SA. whatever.

Victorians can leave Victoria anytime they wish to, unless some court order prevents this, and that is only temporary. One cannot be ordered to stay in Victoria all their life. <modsnip: Unnecessary and snarky> as far as I know, anyone can leave, and any Australian can jog on into Victoria, set themselves down and drink a beer. Whenever they want.

<modsnip: Don't tell other members what to do>

 

[BreakingNews]

If so,
IMO also premature is treating the accused as guilty by all people close to him.
Nobody came to the Court to support him as was reported.
He is in Melbourne in Victoria but others left this State as was also reported.

JMO

We don't know anything about PS relationship with his family. And nor we should. His family have a right to take off to the moon, if they want. They are victims in this also. Lost their business, jobs and reputation all simply by association with someone who has not been tried. Even if he is found not guilty, this family will never be the same again. For all we know it might have been his family who dobbed him in to the police. When I was on a jury for murder, not one person was in court to support the accused. His family left town when he was first arrested.

 

[callmehenry]

Finally caught up again. A lot of hard work, speculation (and a bit of light humour mixed in) amongst the team! Keep up the good work

CallmeHenry: Perhaps he had already told his dad…..

That thought crossed my mind also and then I wondered if it was his dad that told the police?

 

[Rocket333]

That thought crossed my mind also and then I wondered if it was his dad that told the police?

The parents home was searched too wasn’t it? That in itself would be such an invasive and humiliating experience. There might even have been something incriminating found there for all we know. It’s easy to imagine, and to understand them wanting to just leave and find some quiet space to stop and breathe.

 

[Dotta]

Police are still analysing phone data.
Who knows what surprise/s might appear?

Samantha Murphy’s husband speaks on his heartache | It's been two months since Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy disappeared without a trace, but her heartbroken husband still holds out hope her body will be... | By 9 News MelbourneFacebook

It's been two months since Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy disappeared without a trace, but her heartbroken husband still holds out hope her body will be...

www.facebook.com

 

[BGirl88]

Looking back through this timeline, I think that it was between 14 Feb and 21 Feb that LE started to hone in on the accused.

One thing that stands out to me: on 22 Feb:

Friday, February 22: Police admit 'one or more parties' are most likely behind her disappearance as the hunt shifts to a fresh location at Mount Clear based on new phone data analysis.

I wonder, if they did believe it could have been more than one person at this time, if this was down to phone data - a few different phones (including SM’s and PS’s and perhaps one other) all pinging at the same location. But it could also be that the accused carried two phones - one for work and one for personal use. I wonder, if he did have two phones, whether LE have recovered both of his phones, or if one is missing.

IMO

Timeline of Samantha Murphy's disappearance​

Sunday, February 4, 7am: Mum-of-three Samantha Murphy is last seen leaving her home on Eureka Street in Ballarat East heading off on a run.

7.16am: She is captured on a neighbour's CCTV wearing a brown singlet and black half-length leggings.

11am: Ms Murphy fails to show up at a planned brunch with family. She is reported to police as a missing.

Monday, February 5: Victoria Police launch a public appeal to find Ms Murphy. A search area is established just outside the suburb of Buninyong, about 14km from where Ms Murphy was last seen, as well as near her home. Police revealed Ms Murphy's mobile phone had pinged in Buninyong.

Tuesday, February 6: Ms Murphy's husband, Mick, tells media that he's 'not too bad under the circumstances. He was pictured speaking with police as the desperate search continued. The search extended to more than 100 specialised police officers, SES crews and teams from Forest Fire Management Australia and Parks Victoria.

Wednesday, February 8, 12.30pm: A search party found possible evidence near a walking trail in Woowookarung Regional Park.

1.45pm: Mick Murphy turns up at the cordoned off scene in Woowookarung Regional Park and appeared visibly stunned as he was turned away by officers. Police said the items found in bushland were not related to her whereabouts.

Police later released what they initially thought was CCTV of Ms Murphy leaving her property and heading off in a north-easterly direction toward Yankee Flat Road near the intersection of Warrenheip Road.

Thursday afternoon, February 8: A runner came forward to reveal they are the person seen in the CCTV footage, ruling out a key line of inquiry.

Friday, February 9: Victoria Police ramp up its efforts with the arrival of officers from the missing persons unit.

Saturday, February 10: Investigators scale back the search and say that a full scale search will only resume if fresh information emerges.

Sunday, February 11: As police down grade the search, locals continue their own search by scouring the area in small groups.

Monday, February 12: Cin Hobbs, administrator of 'Find Samantha Murphy' Facebook group - which garnered thousands of members within days announced she was removing the group as it 'has served its purpose'.

Tuesday, February 13: Daily Mail Australia reveals that Ms Murphy's beloved dog, Ruby, had gone missing.

Wednesday, February 14: Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton confirms detectives are treating Ms Murphy's disappearance is suspicious.

Detectives from Victoria Police's Missing Persons Unit spend an hour at the Murphy family's property.

It is revealed Ruby has died.

Monday, February 19: Mick Murphy issues public plea, saying: 'We want Sam home please.'

He claims his family are 'doing the best we can under the circumstances'.

Thursday, February 21: Dozens of detectives from specialist units are assigned to the case.

Friday, February 22: Police admit 'one or more parties' are most likely behind her disappearance as the hunt shifts to a fresh location at Mount Clear based on new phone data analysis.

Wednesday, March 6: Man, 22, is arrested.

Thursday, March 7: Man is charged with murder and faces court where no application for bail is made.

Friday, March 8: Patrick Orren Stephenson, the son of ex-AFL footballer Orren Stephenson, is named as the man charged with murder after a suppression order is lifted.

(from the above link in @Dotta 's post)

 

[Investig8r]

Ballarat residents were trialing the drivers licence app for Vic.

Huge change coming to millions of driver’s licences — 7NEWS.com.au

Motorists have long requested the change.

apple.news

“Victorian drivers will soon be able to carry their licence on a mobile phone, in a move that follows the lead of several other states.

It comes after 15,000 Ballarat residents downloaded their licences to the Service Victoria or myVicRoads app as part of a six-month trial”

I was wondering whether PS could have been part of this trial?

Privacy and security | Service Victoria

Service Victoria’s platform is designed to keep your information safe. We let you choose how your data is shared.

service.vic.gov.au

Extracts:
“GPS location
We never track your GPS location without your permission. We’ll only ask you to show your GPS location for specific services if we need to check you are actually within Victoria. You can turn this off at any time.”

“Activity Log
When you present your digital licence for verification using the QR code function, some of the information in the interaction will be captured and stored in an activity log. The activity log doesn’t contain any information that lets anybody track when, or to whom, you've presented your digital driver licence for checking.

The information in the activity log will only be used to troubleshoot issues with the app.”

“We’ll never share your personal information with other parts of government without your consent unless we’re required or permitted to by law.”

Is the GPS location tracker on by default?

Could PS have been using the app?

 

[Dotta]

But it could also be that the accused carried two phones - one for work and one for personal use. I wonder, if he did have two phones, whether LE have recovered both of his phones, or if one is missing.

IMO

Phones usually have place for 2 SIM cards.
One card for home.
One card for office/work.

2 in 1

Pings are from either home or office, depending on which card is switched on but there is 1 phone so there is 1 signal.
But there are 2 numbers.

People rarely carry 2 phones,
at least where I live.

JMO

 

[Investig8r]

I want to add to my previous post that being young, PS would possibly need to show ID to enter venues serving alcohol and in most circumstances young ones use their licence. This could mean the app (assuming it was being used) may be helpful to track PS’s movements. JMO

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/digital-driver-licence

“You can use your digital licence:

• to prove your right to drive.
• as proof you’re over 18 at licensed venues or
• anywhere you need to prove your identity (such as retailers or hotels)”