Detectives allege Patrick Stephenson took Samantha Murphy’s life on February 4 and attempted to conceal the killing for more than a month.
The name and face of accused murderer Patrick Orren Stephenson was in the public domain until a controversial court decision. It’s raised questions about Victoria’s legal system.
Patrick Stephenson,22,is the son of ex-Geelong and Richmond footballer Orren Stephenson.
The 22-year-old man was remanded in custody as police said their primary role was now to find Murphy’s body.
The family of Samantha Murphy has been living a nightmare,and while they now have some answers,the wait to bring Samantha home drags on.
A 22-year-old man has been charged over the murder of missing Ballarat mother. Here’s what we know
In his formative years,the 22-year-old accused of killing the mother of three had a front-row seat to elite football.
Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy was last seen leaving her home for a run on February 4. Just over a month later,a man has been charged with her murder. This is the timeline of her disappearance.
Firefighters continue to battle two bushfires,while communities in Victoria’s west narrowly avoided a much worse outcome after temperatures on Wednesday peaked later in the day.
Forecast extreme heat,high winds and dry lightning mean Wednesday will be “a very dangerous and difficult day across Victoria”,Premier Jacinta Allan said.
Fire crews fought the out of control blaze near Beaufort in western Victoria overnight into Friday morning as hundreds of people were evacuated out of harm’s way.