Husband of Missing Mum Samantha Murphy ‘Devastated’ After Major New Search Called Off With No Discoveries

Hopes for a breakthrough in the disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy were dashed again on Wednesday as a highly anticipated new police search was called off without any findings. The operation, launched after investigators received fresh intelligence, centred on dense bushland in the Buninyong Bushland Reserve — but concluded at 2.30pm after extensive searching failed to uncover Samantha’s remains.

For Samantha’s husband, Mick Murphy, the news was deeply disappointing. He visited the site briefly before returning home and later told 7NEWS he was devastated that another large-scale effort had produced no answers. His plea was simple and emotional: he desperately wants his wife’s body to be found so the family can finally have closure.

A High-Intensity Search That Raised Hopes

Police began converging on the Buninyong reserve early Wednesday morning, establishing a large command presence around Sandys Hill Road. More than a dozen police vehicles were stationed at Royal Park, which served as the staging area for specialist teams, sniffer dogs, trail bikes, and search coordinators.

The thick bushland in this part of Buninyong is rugged — steep, overgrown, and dotted with narrow walking tracks. Forensic search specialists moved slowly and methodically through the difficult terrain, examining gullies, scrub, and uneven ground that required both physical endurance and technical skill.

Sniffer dogs trained in human-remains detection were deployed alongside officers on motorbikes who could maneuver into sections inaccessible to four-wheel-drives. The intensity of the operation suggested police were pursuing information they regarded as credible and time-sensitive.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed the effort was guided by “intelligence derived from a number of sources”, though no further details about the nature or origin of that intelligence were provided.

A Painful Outcome for a Family Who Has Waited Months

For Mick Murphy, the renewed activity reignited hope. He has searched tirelessly on his own since Samantha disappeared, often walking through forests or driving back roads for hours at a time. Wednesday’s operation appeared to offer the possibility of progress — something concrete after months of uncertainty.

But when the search was officially suspended mid-afternoon, the disappointment was immediate.

“Please — anything that helps us find her,” Mick said, urging anyone with information to come forward. He added that he was gutted to see yet another large effort end without results.

He left the search site quietly, his brief presence a reminder of the emotional toll the investigation continues to take on the family.

Three Months Without Answers

Samantha Murphy, a 51-year-old mother of three, was reported missing earlier this year after failing to return from a morning run. Her disappearance sparked one of the largest search operations seen in regional Victoria in recent years, involving police, SES volunteers, mounted units, drones, and community members.

Despite weeks of searching across forests, farmland, and waterways, no trace of Samantha’s remains has been found.

Earlier in the investigation, police conducted multiple searches in Enfield State Park and surrounding forest areas. Several operations were based on digital analysis, physical evidence, or new leads. Each returned without the breakthrough investigators hoped for.

An Arrest, but Still No Closure

More than three months after Samantha vanished, 22-year-old tradie Patrick Stephenson was arrested and charged with murder. Police emphasised at the time that the charge was a significant development — but that Samantha’s body had still not been located.

As part of earlier investigative work, Stephenson was taken to a pine plantation at least twice on separate occasions, though police did not disclose whether any information was obtained from those visits. Authorities remain cautious about revealing details of their investigative strategies.

The fact that police have continued to pursue new search locations despite the arrest underscores how crucial locating Samantha’s remains is to both the investigation and her family’s closure.

Community Support Remains Strong

The Ballarat community continues to rally behind the Murphy family. Local residents have followed every update, participated in volunteer searches, and expressed unrelenting support, even as the months pass without answers.

Samantha’s disappearance has left a deep emotional imprint on the region. Her friends, neighbours, and supporters describe her as a kind, energetic, and devoted mother whose absence is felt daily.

Mick has repeatedly thanked the community for its commitment, saying that the support helps sustain him during the most difficult periods.

Police Say the Investigation Is Still Very Much Active

Despite Wednesday’s disappointing outcome, police reiterated that the search for Samantha is far from over. Investigators continue to assess new information and pursue every credible lead.

“The investigation remains active,” a spokesperson said. “We will continue to follow up on all intelligence and conduct further searches as required.”

A Husband Still Hoping

As another day ends without answers, Mick Murphy’s determination remains unchanged. He continues to urge the public to come forward, believing that even the smallest piece of information could lead police to his wife.

“We just want her found,” he said.

For Samantha’s family — and the community that continues to stand with them — the hope for answers remains alive, even as another chapter closes with painful uncertainty.