Three Months After Samantha Murphy Vanished, Husband Mick Describes His Daily Search for Answers

BALLARAT, VICTORIA — More than three months after the disappearance of Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy, her husband Mick Murphy says he continues to search every day, driven by hope, determination, and the painful need to understand what happened to the woman he has loved for decades.

In an exclusive interview with 9News, Mick described the moment he first realised something was wrong — an ordinary morning that changed the trajectory of his life and family forever.

“On that particular day, I was outside and thought she’ll be coming up the road pretty soon,” he said, recalling the morning Samantha left for a routine run and never returned. “Then she didn’t.”

At first, he assumed she had extended her run, something she occasionally enjoyed doing. But as the minutes stretched on, the feeling of normality faded.

“I just thought, ‘Ah well, she might’ve gone a bit longer’,” he said. “I went outside and said to the kids, ‘Has Mum come home yet?’ and they said no. I thought that was a bit odd.”

That small, uneasy moment was the first sign of a nightmare that has since consumed the Murphy family and captivated communities across Victoria and the nation.

A Community Mobilises, but Answers Remain Elusive

Police issued appeals for information almost immediately, urging anyone with dashcam footage, sightings, or knowledge of Samantha’s movements to come forward. Within days, search teams — including uniformed officers, specialist units, SES volunteers, mounted police, and community members — spread across bushland, farms, and residential streets.

Enfield State Park, Canadian Forest, and other rugged stretches of terrain were combed repeatedly. Drone searches, ground grid operations, canine units, divers, and forensic specialists were deployed at various stages. Despite the enormous effort, little to no trace of Samantha has been found.

But while official searches have been paused and restarted over the months depending on new information, Mick has never stopped.

A Husband’s Daily Search for His Wife

Mick says he searches every single day, adjusting his routes and methods depending on how he feels and what he thinks might help him cope.

“Sometimes I go for a drive and it might not be anywhere particular,” he told 9News. “Or I go for a walk for two hours. It varies every day.”

He has repeatedly walked through pine plantations on the outskirts of Ballarat, including areas previously examined by SES crews and police. He also drives through surrounding districts, rural roads, and back tracks, looking for anything that might provide clarity or closure.

“It’s very good for my mind,” he said. “If I sat at home, I wouldn’t do myself any favours.”

Friends say the persistent search has become a way for Mick to stay connected to Samantha, but also a way to channel grief into action. For months, he has woken each morning unsure of what the day will bring but certain of one thing: he will continue looking.

An Arrest Brings a New Phase to the Investigation

In March, the investigation took a major turn when 22-year-old tradie Patrick Stephenson was arrested and charged with murder in relation to Samantha’s disappearance. Police allege he was involved in her fate, though Samantha’s body has not been found.

Stephenson’s arrest marked the beginning of a new legal and investigative chapter. Police have conducted further targeted searches since the charge, some based on new intelligence and others aimed at corroborating information already gathered.

Authorities remain tight-lipped about what led to the arrest or the evidence behind the charge. They have not publicly confirmed any motive or whether they believe Samantha’s remains are in a particular location.

A number of sites have been revisited by investigators, including bushland south of Ballarat and pine plantation areas where Stephenson was taken by detectives on multiple occasions. Police have not disclosed what information they sought during those visits or whether anything of significance was uncovered.

A Community Still Holding On

Samantha’s disappearance has deeply affected the Ballarat region. Candlelight vigils have been held, missing-person posters remain taped to poles and shopfront windows, and community members continue to follow every update closely. Volunteers who helped in the early months say they remain ready to return should police request assistance again.

Mick remains grateful for the help, the messages, and the community presence that continues long after many missing-person cases fade from public consciousness.

“People haven’t forgotten her,” he said. “That means a lot.”

A Family Waiting for Answers

Despite the passing of time, Mick refuses to give up hope that answers will come—whether through ongoing investigative work, new information, or a discovery during one of his daily searches.

“I haven’t stopped looking,” he said. “Not once.”

For now, the Murphy family continues to live in a painful limbo — balancing grief, hope, and the unrelenting desire for clarity. Police have stated that the investigation remains active and that every credible lead will be pursued.

As Mick continues to walk through forests, drive rural roads, and retrace Samantha’s favourite routes, one truth remains constant: he will not stop searching until he knows what happened to his wife.