Australia Samantha Murphy, 51, last seen leaving her property to go for a run in the Canadian State Forest, Ballarat, 4 Feb 2024 *Arrest* #13

[Poirot's niece]

There is also this vicgov mapping tool which is available to use anonymously. People in trades, construction, public works or any type of utility work such as electricity, communications infrastructure, water supply access this site often. It includes mines and mineral occurences.
GeoVic

 

[Ron Jeremy]

It’s just a matter of time now. Given the amount of data VICPOL would have and the means they have to back up or verify the meta data ( ring cameras, cctv, public statements, possibly car GPS ) placing the accused in the general area, you’d have to argue they are pretty sure of something! I’d have a wager on him caving in just before the trial starts in April and owning up in an attempt to get a more lenient penalty - sounds unlikely I know, but it I’m sure it’s happened before. I also believe that when the trial starts, we will all be surprised at the amount of data VICPOL have, hence the reason they’ve said stuff all to the media.

 

[Bethan]

@Poirot's niece

Thank you for the 2 informative links above

 

[Rocket333]

I did a search 'maps old mines Enfield State park vic -ai'. Lots of pages and links came up showing areas of density for historical mines and shallow diggings. Prospecting is legal in Vic (with a permit). Maps and trails of historical significance are available if you know what you're looking for.
While I don't disagree with your theory re both the accused and Samantha's phone/GPS co-ordinates and pings. We know that the accused was an active trailbike rider and there are both official and unofficial motocross tracks in Enfield. Someone/s familiar with these tracks, and having grown up in the area would be very likely to know the telltale signs of old diggings and mines.
I've attached a link showing basic visual cues to recognising old mines Dangers to recognise in historical mining areas

Thanks for sharing this PN. Some of those old mineshafts present the perfect hiding spot - incredibly deep, hard to see, and dangerous to explore. Enfield would have been second nature to Stephenson since it’s right in his backyard. However for the body to be left there in the first place, he would’ve needed his ute, which means the chosen site was most likely close to a track where a vehicle could get in.

And if Sam’s phone was ditched in the dam before heading to Enfield, then her data trail would have stopped at the dam - unless her watch was still talking.

 

[Rocket333]

It’s just a matter of time now. Given the amount of data VICPOL would have and the means they have to back up or verify the meta data ( ring cameras, cctv, public statements, possibly car GPS ) placing the accused in the general area, you’d have to argue they are pretty sure of something! I’d have a wager on him caving in just before the trial starts in April and owning up in an attempt to get a more lenient penalty - sounds unlikely I know, but it I’m sure it’s happened before. I also believe that when the trial starts, we will all be surprised at the amount of data VICPOL have, hence the reason they’ve said stuff all to the media.

I’m with you that it’s just a matter of time now Ron. I’m not so sure though that Stephenson will cave in easily. The toll on his family would be massive, and I suspect part of his silence so far has been about protecting them - especially his dad, which was mentioned as a reason when Stephenson’s name was briefly suppressed after he was first charged.

He’s probably convinced them he’s innocent, so admitting guilt won’t be easy as it risks shame & banishment. I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps digging his heels in, even if Sam is found, for that reason and maybe also to save face with his girlfriend and peers. He’s seen the evidence, and if there’s no direct witness - human or digital - to the actual murder, he might think he can still wriggle out of it, body or no body.

All mine.

 

[BreakingNews]

It’s just a matter of time now. Given the amount of data VICPOL would have and the means they have to back up or verify the meta data ( ring cameras, cctv, public statements, possibly car GPS ) placing the accused in the general area, you’d have to argue they are pretty sure of something! I’d have a wager on him caving in just before the trial starts in April and owning up in an attempt to get a more lenient penalty - sounds unlikely I know, but it I’m sure it’s happened before. I also believe that when the trial starts, we will all be surprised at the amount of data VICPOL have, hence the reason they’ve said stuff all to the media.

If he fesses up, then there won't be a trial. Just sentencing. And we will never know anything more until a journalist writes a book. MOO

 

[Rocket333]

If he fesses up, then there won't be a trial. Just sentencing. And we will never know anything more until a journalist writes a book. MOO

I’d like to see it go to trial so the evidence can be tested and the full story comes out. At the same time, admitting guilt and the hiding spot could give the family closure without dragging things on. It’s a double‑edged sword and neither path is easy. Stephenson’s chances don’t look good, and the sentence he faces could be heavy. The fact he hasn’t applied for bail, at least as far as we know, is curious. Maybe he figures that if he’s found guilty and locked away for decades, admitting to something as heinous as murder won’t shave enough time off to matter. Staying ‘innocent’ might at least keep some family support intact and maybe even help him cling to the delusion that he’s still a decent person. Waiting for the book will be an ordeal almost as punishing as the trial.

My opinion.

 

[Ron Jeremy]

I’d like to see it go to trial so the evidence can be tested and the full story comes out. At the same time, admitting guilt and the hiding spot could give the family closure without dragging things on. It’s a double‑edged sword and neither path is easy. Stephenson’s chances don’t look good, and the sentence he faces could be heavy. The fact he hasn’t applied for bail, at least as far as we know, is curious. Maybe he figures that if he’s found guilty and locked away for decades, admitting to something as heinous as murder won’t shave enough time off to matter. Staying ‘innocent’ might at least keep some family support intact and maybe even help him cling to the delusion that he’s still a decent person. Waiting for the book will be an ordeal almost as punishing as the trial.

My opinion.

100% rocket