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

[bearbear]

dbm

 

[Rocket333]

The next court date is February 18th and hopefully a trial date will be set.

Can the media report on this hearing including any motions to suppress evidence or to request specific witnesses?

 

[Warshawski]

The Media will be able to report on anything that’s not subjected to a suppression order - which could be brought about at any time.

All just my opinion.

 

[SouthAussie]

The next court date is February 18th and hopefully a trial date will be set.

Can the media report on this hearing including any motions to suppress evidence or to request specific witnesses?

I don't know that we necessarily hear about suppression orders. I think there have likely been cases where things are suppressed and we don't even know that they are suppressed, because we never knew about their existence in the first place.

imo

 

[Porky1]

"Head injuries" in the accident
Hmmm...
Head injuries can be catastrophic,
resulting even in brain damage/changed behaviour.
Plus drugs and alcohol.
Jeez!
Too bad!

JMO

Seems like an excuse for further reckless behaviour

 

[Marg944]

Key moments in year since Melbourne mum Samantha Murphy disappeared​

“It’s a case that broke Australia’s heart: A beloved mum goes for a run and never comes back. Here are the key moments in the year since Samantha Murphy went missing.”

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/crime/key-moments-in-year-since-melbourne-mum-samantha-murphy-disappeared/news-story/07b4a48827263975e75f9bb82b8c48c8

 

[Scooby-Doo]

What Happens Now?​

Stephenson has been committed to stand trial at the Victorian Supreme Court.

The trial is now in the “pre-trial” phase.

The pre-trial phase ensures both sides are prepared for trial. Both sides exchange relevant documents and evidence, and witness lists and expert reports. The judge makes sure everything is ready for the trial.

A directions hearing is booked for February 18.

The trial is expected in 2025, but it’s possible it will be pushed back to 2026.

As of this week, Victorian Police told NewsWire there were no new developments or updates in the search for Murphy’s body.

 

[SouthAussie]

Key moments in year since Melbourne mum Samantha Murphy disappeared​

“It’s a case that broke Australia’s heart: A beloved mum goes for a run and never comes back. Here are the key moments in the year since Samantha Murphy went missing.”

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/crime/key-moments-in-year-since-melbourne-mum-samantha-murphy-disappeared/news-story/07b4a48827263975e75f9bb82b8c48c8

Just like the Erin Patterson case ... "fast track" it by waiving a committal hearing, then STILL (potentially) wait and wait for the trial.

"The trial ..... it’s possible it will be pushed back to 2026."

imo

 

[imstilla.grandma]

'I want to reaffirm to the community that the missing persons squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha,' Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan told the Herald Sun.

'While a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her.'

Police make huge call on search for missing mum Samantha Murphy

The 51-year-old mum-of-three left her Ballarat home in Victoria on the morning of February 4, last year, to go for a run and was never seen again.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[SouthAussie]

There is an Age article today about the sad anniversary of Sam's disappearance.

One of Sam's close friends, BC, has spent countless hours searching for Sam in paddocks, pine plantations, and drought-ravaged bushland near where Sam disappeared. She says she just can't stop searching. Their children grew up together.
(Mick approved BC speaking with the media on this day). She says it is still so hard for Mick and the children.

Marianne Hendron, chief executive of the violence prevention agency Women’s Health Grampians, said that since Sissy Austin's rally last year more men are getting in touch with her agency, saying they want to be part of the change in violence against women and asking how they can make a difference.

A year since Samantha vanished, Ballarat’s pain endures

“It’s not knowing where she is which is the hardest.” Samantha Murphy’s community is still in shock – and women are on edge.

www.theage.com.au

 

[Rocket333]

One of Sam's close friends, BC, has spent countless hours searching for Sam in paddocks, pine plantations, and drought-ravaged bushland near where Sam disappeared. She says she just can't stop searching. Their children grew up together.

Is anyone hearing anything about ongoing searches in Enfield?

 

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[SouthAussie]

Is anyone hearing anything about ongoing searches in Enfield?

The article doesn't really say. Marianne Hendron says that over the past year it has been triggering when they wake up to a news story that a search is going to happen ... the emotions of the locals are still raw.
Presumably she means a news story that we would be aware of, but I really don't know.

 

[BoysTown]

Is anyone hearing anything about ongoing searches in Enfield?

They said on Seven News tonight that it still remains the focus of searches.

 

[Trooper]

Just like the Erin Patterson case ... "fast track" it by waiving a committal hearing, then STILL (potentially) wait and wait for the trial.

"The trial ..... it’s possible it will be pushed back to 2026."

imo

I have big doubts about this 2026 stuff... I think that is the newspaper ad libbing... hard to credit that he would be kept on remand for all that time, and since it is in the pre trial stage, ( that is, the judge knows all the witnesses, the defence knows what the prosecution has, the prosecution knows who his witnesses will be, etc ) there is no point in extending the time. No one wants him to get too comfy on Remand...

 

[Trooper]

The next court date is February 18th and hopefully a trial date will be set.

Can the media report on this hearing including any motions to suppress evidence or to request specific witnesses?

Usually, in VIctoria, if the matter of suppression is deemed to be an issue, it is notified when the date for the next court date is published, so everyone knows well in advance.. so if it has not been stated, then it is reasonable to assume there is no suppression order in operation...

 

[BreakingNews]

I don't know that we necessarily hear about suppression orders. I think there have likely been cases where things are suppressed and we don't even know that they are suppressed, because we never knew about their existence in the first place.

imo

Maybe we have a journalist or insider on this site that could enlighten us on the day. Please

 

[BreakingNews]

The article doesn't really say. Marianne Hendron says that over the past year it has been triggering when they wake up to a news story that a search is going to happen ... the emotions of the locals are still raw.
Presumably she means a news story that we would be aware of, but I really don't know.

I'm feeling that after one year that the police don't have a clue where Mrs Murphy is. I think the only hope is that whoever killed her will finally say where she is. The family need to be able to bury their loved one. It's the least that the person responsible can do

 

[BreakingNews]

I have big doubts about this 2026 stuff... I think that is the newspaper ad libbing... hard to credit that he would be kept on remand for all that time, and since it is in the pre trial stage, ( that is, the judge knows all the witnesses, the defence knows what the prosecution has, the prosecution knows who his witnesses will be, etc ) there is no point in extending the time. No one wants him to get too comfy on Remand...

In Qld remand is not much different. I know someone on remand and his trial has gone ahead and his release date for probation was early November. But because of Christmas he is still not out. It's the paperwork, we are told. All so wrong

 

[BreakingNews]

I have big doubts about this 2026 stuff... I think that is the newspaper ad libbing... hard to credit that he would be kept on remand for all that time, and since it is in the pre trial stage, ( that is, the judge knows all the witnesses, the defence knows what the prosecution has, the prosecution knows who his witnesses will be, etc ) there is no point in extending the time. No one wants him to get too comfy on Remand...

I hope it doesn't get dragged out. Otherwise why fast track? Was it his solicitors or him who asked for the fast tracking? Does he think by pleading not guilty that means he will get off? So wondering what actual evidence there is? Will it stick? We don't really know!