Summarized the content of the police press conference:
From a
video posted 13 days ago (around 9th Feb)
- "we have some information we are utilising to inform our search areas"
- particularly interested in CCTV/dashcam footage of Ballarat East, Canadian and Mount Helen - to the east of Geelong Road (also may be called Main Rd).
- Buningyong - reporter asked why this was initially included in search then "ruled out"?
(it looks like this area was actually searched again by police helicopter on 17th Feb) - "there was information provided to us that lead us to that area" - reporter (same one) "are you still collecting information from Sam's phone" - police officer blinks and says "that informs part of the information I have been referring to"
(Buningyong was the first area searched which makes me feel that the were going off the most recent ping/data which makes sense if someone is missing)
- items found were mentioned, but "they do not have a direct connection to the case
at this time" (noting this press conference was 13 days ago)
- mine shafts deemed relevant? "not at this point"
- Journalist mentions having info that LE may be looking into a 'movement' at a Ballarat Hospitality venue prior to SM's disappearance - journalist asks "is there any truth to that?" police officer says "yeah I don't have anything to provide comment on that at this time"
(didn't answer)
- asked if anyone knew her planned route - police say they understand she had a routine and regularly went out walking and running in 'those areas' but they are not aware of her "exact route"
- CCTV still of her in her clothing (dark red top) is from that morning - Sun 4th Feb - confirmed by police officer
- police officer said they don't have absolute confirmation that the other CCTV released of runner is SM
(later, released info that this was not SM as the runner in the footage came forward)
- Journalist asks "any further phone pings or have you been able to track anything from her watch?" police officer : "I wont' comment on any of that particular detail
but I will say that forms all of the investigation and the information that we are using to direct our search"
(this seems like a very specific statement, on reflection)
- "we are still looking for all of the relevant information to help us find some answers for Sam's family"
- asked re bank cards/accounts : "I won't go into the particulars of the investigation"
- Journalist asks "does the cctv from the house show anyone else leaving the home after Sam" - police officer "I'm not going to make any further comment on that"
- asked to comment on search so far "very comprehensive, an extensive search" "there's been a huge amount of resources directed at it"
(this comment, then missing persons unit and then specialized LE from other areas of the police force being brought in ring alarm bells to me that this could indeed be part of a multi-case case - there is some pattern that warrants this additional resource).
- asked if SM had any history of mental health issues "I won't go into that in this....forum, thanks"
- asked if she had a time SM was reported missing "in the morning, on Sunday"