Son of former AFL star charged with murder of missing mum Samantha Murphy

Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, has been charged with the murder of missing Ballarat mother, Samantha Murphy.

Stephenson is the son of former AFL star Orren Stephenson. He was arrested at his home in Victoria and charged with murder. The interim name suppression initially granted to Stephenson has been lifted after his legal team decided not to seek permanent name suppression.

Stephenson junior followed in his father’s footsteps and became a quality AFL player at a local level.

Locals expressed their shock upon learning of the arrest. Those close to the alleged killer’s family said his upbringing was in a seemingly happy environment that was closely connected to the AFL, an observation backed up by Stephenson’s lawyer who said he did not suffer from drug problems or mental health problems.

51-year-old mother of three Samantha Murphy went missing on February 4 after leaving her home for a jog and had not been seen since. Despite extensive searches, her whereabouts remain unknown. Police say they are their committed to finding her body.

Stephenson was not known to Murphy or her family.

The murder is described by the police as a “deliberate” attack, dismissing theories of a hit-and-run incident. They believe Murphy was killed the day she went missing. The investigation continues with a focus on locating Murphy’s body, and police are not seeking any other individuals in connection with the murder which has captivated Australia for days.

News of the arrest and charge brought mixed feelings of relief and sorrow to Murphy’s family. Husband Mick Murphy and father John Robson told media of their heartache over the situation, hoping for closure and the correct resolution of the case.