In sticking to the facts, what was said was "one OR more parties".
AFAIK police never committed to 'more parties involved' they kept it broad. It's smart policing as it keeps the suspect guessing and if there is anyone on the periphery of the crime or if someone holds a piece of information, they may feel pressured to come forward. It's police covering all bases IMO.
Hatt said the most likely scenario is that Murphy’s disappearance involves “one or more parties”.
“Given the extensive and detailed search that has already been undertaken, and the fact no sign of Samantha or her personal belongings has been located, we have ruled out any type of medical incident,” he said.
“There is also nothing to indicate that Samantha left the area of her own accord.
“Based on our elimination process we do think that another party has been involved, whether it be one person or a number of people.”
Detectives are now focusing their search for Samantha Murphy on an area 5km from her home after receiving new phone data information.
7news.com.au