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

[Sor Juana]

Excavator deployed in new ‘targeted search’ for missing Ballarat mum Samantha Murphy

Police have issued a major update in their search for missing mum Samantha Murphy, months after her mysterious disappearance.

Detectives from Victoria’s Missing Persons Squad and a range of specialist police are involved in the current search in the Ballarat area.

 

[Sarti]

AI-upscaled image of the object:

 

[Whatson]

It looks like some kind of leather pouch to me (it has a loop for attaching to the waist/belt line), perhaps for holding a fishing knife or pliers. It's also on the ground of a receding waterline so most likely been sitting under water... Till now.

Jmo

 

[Whatson]

AI-upscaled image of the object:

View attachment 506453

It looks like the AI turned it into something else

 

[Reneemaree88]

It looks to me like part of one of those road reflector post things or a steel level.

 

[Scooby-Doo]

I have been following this case for a while, and like yourselves has intrigued me.
I think a lot more will come out of this

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/crime/excavator-deployed-in-new-targeted-search-for-missing-ballarat-mum-samantha-murphy/news-story/e711cdb691a5a1b36ab5300f38c46171

 

[Reneemaree88]

This is a level, I have. Looks similar IMO. It’s heavy, would do decent damage if you were to hit someone with it. Definitely a tool, a tradie would have on hand.

I could be way off though ‍

 

[Marg944]

I think this is an updated article… with a new pic, but it is paywalled.

Phone taken for forensic testing in 'targeted search' for Samantha Murphy

Police divers scoured a dam south of Ballarat for her body.

www.thecourier.com.au

 

[Sarti]

Again, an AI-upscaled version of the image from the article Marg944 shared above:

Is this a phone holder/wallet type of thing? Are they smartphone cameras I see?

 

[Doesitmakesense]

Again, an AI-upscaled version of the image from the article Marg944 shared above:

View attachment 506456

That looks exactly like the phone cover I use

 

[Reneemaree88]

That’s definitely an iPhone. Well done!

Again, an AI-upscaled version of the image from the article Marg944 shared above:

View attachment 506456

Is this a phone holder/wallet type of thing? Are they smartphone cameras I see?

 

[Scooby-Doo]

A mobile phone has been located, but not known at this stage if it's Sam's. On the news

 

[SLouTh]

I think this is an updated article… with a new pic, but it is paywalled.

View attachment 506455

Phone taken for forensic testing in 'targeted search' for Samantha Murphy

Police divers scoured a dam south of Ballarat for her body.

www.thecourier.com.au

Is anyone able to read the full Courier Article ??
I have read that the article states a “phone has been found” …
(Read on Missing Persons Page)
But would prefer clarification that the article does actually say that ???

IMO

 

[Kemug]

So what are the chances of recovering anything from it in this condition?

 

[Reneemaree88]

Is anyone able to read the full Courier Article ??
I have read that the article states a “phone has been found” …
(Read on Missing Persons Page)
But would prefer clarification that the article does actually say that ???

IMO

I’ll check

 

[SLouTh]

Gosh I do hope it is Sam’s phone and case and that the Police are close to finding her …..

IMO

 

[Reneemaree88]

I’ll c

I’ll check

Is anyone able to read the full Courier Article ??
I have read that the article states a “phone has been found” …
(Read on Missing Persons Page)
But would prefer clarification that the article does actually say that ???

IMO

I’ll check

I searched there website, I have a paid account but couldn’t find anything stating a phone has been found.

 

[Sarti]

The area where they are searching (near Buninyong) is where Samantha's phone last pinged a cell tower around 5pm on the day of her disappearance.

Fingers crossed but I think it is likely the phone is part of this case.

 

[Skyboy90]

I have faith that VPOL will crack this. It’s going to take time, it’s going to be painstakingly slow and frustrating, as it has already been, but I’ve got confidence they will find her. I’ve not seen a police body so determined to crack a case like this.

I think what is going to drive them harder is his complete lack of co operation.

 

[SLouTh]

Confirmation that “a phone” has been found …..

Paywalled for some

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/fresh-search-underway-for-body-of-samantha-murphy/news-story/daf8a2bab1ab95ae22b2c6113d995505