Police says its ‘unlikely’ missing Ballarat woman is alive
Detectives in Victoria are doubtful missing Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy is still alive as the investigation continues into the disappearance of the 51-year-old mother-of-three who was last seen almost three weeks ago.
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00:00 Police have confirmed they'll focus on a particular area south of Ballarat as they continue their
00:06 investigation into the suspicious disappearance of Samantha Murphy.
00:11 Detectives have today revealed it's unlikely that Ms Murphy is still alive after she failed
00:15 to return from a jog three weeks ago.
00:18 Police say phone data indicates the 51-year-old mother of three travelled on foot for about
00:22 seven kilometres to get to the area from her home.
00:26 Today police have launched a search through the Mount Clear area and they believe she
00:30 ran the seven kilometres through the Wubwukurrung Regional Park.
00:34 They are working today, 20 to 30 people involved with that search, from emergency services
00:39 including the Sex Crimes Unit and Crimes Command.
00:42 And they say that that's not necessarily due to themes they are exploring in the investigation
00:46 rather than lending a hand with those investigators who have that strong experience in protracted
00:52 investigations.
00:54 Police wouldn't be drawn on whether there are any suspects but they say they do now
00:58 believe one or more people might be involved.
01:01 Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt says there are a number of persons of interest
01:05 but wouldn't say if police have identified any suspects.
01:09 He says the targeted search today in Mount Clear is open-ended.
01:12 "It's pretty extensive bushland.
01:15 There are some tracks and some roads.
01:16 So one thing I'd like to appeal for is anyone that may have seen vehicles or people acting
01:22 suspiciously in that area on the morning of the 4th of February to please contact Crime
01:27 Stoppers."
01:28 Along with today's police search there will be a separate community-based search tomorrow
01:33 as locals continue to look for any traces of Samantha Murphy.
01:37 [BLANK_AUDIO]