A man has been charged with the murder of missing Ballarat East mum Samantha Murphy this afternoon.
Police arrested a 22-year-old from Scotsburn at around 6am yesterday, he was subsequently interviewed by police and charged with one count of murder today.
The man will face the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
Police are yet to recover Samantha’s body and the investigation remains ongoing.
“Our thoughts today are with Samantha’s family and friends,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt of Crime Command.
“Since Samantha’s disappearance at the start of February, a significant search and investigation has been undertaken in an effort to find her.
“This has included a dedicated and committed investigative effort led by the Missing Persons squad and also involving detectives from right across Crime Command, Counter Terrorism Command and Western Region.
“This has been further supported by a range of specialist resources from across Victoria Police.
“To get to a position where we have been able to charge someone is testament to the commitment and dedication from all those areas.
“We have also had exceptional support from many people in the Ballarat community, particularly local search volunteers and members of the SES and CFA.
“I know that Samantha’s disappearance has had a profound impact on the Ballarat community and I want to thank all of those people who have assisted police in many different ways over the past month,” he said.
Anyone with any information about Samantha’s disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers.com.au
