Overview

• A 22-year-old man from Scotsburn has been charged with the murder of Samantha Murphy, who vanished on February 4 after leaving her home in Ballarat East for a run.
• The identity of the accused, whose name is currently under a suppression order, may be revealed following a court hearing, amidst concerns of prejudicing his right to a fair trial.
• Police and volunteers have been conducting extensive searches in the Ballarat area, combing through dense bush, private land, and walking tracks in hopes of locating Murphy's body.
• The community of Ballarat has rallied around the Murphy family, with a vigil planned near Murphy's home to honor her memory.
• Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests, but currently, they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the alleged murder.