#13 The Missing Pieces: 'The Last Run' The Unsolved Disappearance of Samantha Murphy

She left for a run and never came back. Samantha Murphy, a devoted mother and beloved community member, vanished without a trace on what should have been an ordinary morning jog in Ballarat, Victoria. Despite extensive searches, weeks of unanswered questions, and national media coverage, no trace of her was ever found—until authorities arrested 23-year-old Patrick Orren Stephenson for her murder. But with no body recovered, can investigators prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt?

Join The Missing Pieces as we delve deep into the mystery surrounding Samantha’s disappearance. Was she a victim of a calculated crime, or is there more to the story than meets the eye? We explore the theories, the evidence, and the haunting questions left unanswered. What really happened to Samantha Murphy? And will her family ever find closure?

Tune in as we unravel the case, piece by piece.

Chapters

• 0:01 The Last Run
• 23:19 Unraveling Samantha's Disappearance
• 43:27 The Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

She left for a run and never came back. A woman who had a routine, a family and a community that loved her gone without a trace. How does someone disappear in broad daylight with no apparent clues? Welcome back to the Missing Pieces, the podcast where we explore the most mysterious disappearances and unsolved cases. Today we're diving into the case of Samantha Murphy, a devoted mother, an active member of her community and a woman who seemingly vanished without a trace on what should have been a routine morning run. What happened to Samantha Murphy and why has her case gripped an entire nation? Let's piece it together.

Speaker 1: 0:42

On the morning of February 4, 2024, 51-year-old Samantha Murphy laced up her running shoes and stepped out into the crisp morning air of Ballarat, victoria. She was an experienced jogger, the kind of person who found solace in the rhythmic pounding of her feet against the dirt paths of Wubukarung Regional Park. The eucalyptus trees stood tall and still that morning, casting long shadows as the sun rose. It was an ordinary day, except it would be the last time anyone saw Samantha. Her family expected her return by mid-morning, but as the hours stretched on, unease turned to dread. Calls to her phone went unanswered. Her usual running route was familiar to her. She wouldn't have gotten lost. Something was wrong. Authorities and volunteers swarmed the regional park, combing every inch of the winding trails, peering beneath dense brush, sending search dogs to track her scent. But it was as if the earth had swallowed her whole. Her phone's last ping placed her near the park, but no further clues surfaced. Days turned into weeks and still nothing. Was she lost, attacked? Did she vanish voluntarily? The possibilities were considered, but there was no concrete evidence to support any of them. Then, in March 2024, a shocking development A man named Patrick Oren Stevenson, a 23-year-old local, was arrested and charged with Samantha's murder. The news sent shockwaves through the community, but it came with an unsettling caveat Her body had not been found. How can someone be charged with murder when the victim is still missing? Stevenson pleaded not guilty and investigators have yet to disclose what led them to his arrest. Was there forensic evidence? Did he have a known connection to Samantha? And, if he was guilty, where was her body? The details remain undisclosed as legal proceedings unfold, leaving more questions than answers.

Speaker 1: 2:48

Samantha's disappearance has left a scar on Ballarat. The town known for its strong community ties has been left grappling with fear and uncertainty. Candlelight vigils have been held in her honor, her face plastered on posters shared in thousands of social media posts. Women in the area now second-guess their own safety, questioning whether they too could disappear without a trace. Her family, especially her mother, has been relentless in their search for justice. We just want to give her a funeral, her mother pleaded, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Speaker 1: 3:24

The search for Samantha has not just been a local effort. National media has picked up the story, broadcasting it across the country and beyond. Internet sleuths have dissected every known detail, speculating about possible scenarios. Some believe Stevenson is a scapegoat, that the police may have moved too quickly to make an arrest. Others are convinced of his guilt, speculating that law enforcement has far more evidence than they've disclosed.

Speaker 1: 3:51

The debate rages on, fueled by frustration over unanswered questions. It's impossible to imagine the agony her loved ones are experiencing A mother, a wife, a friend simply gone, and the longer her body remains missing, the more unbearable the uncertainty becomes. Without a physical discovery, closure is elusive. Can her family ever truly grieve without the ability to lay her to rest? And what if, against all odds, she's still alive somewhere? The possibility of an abduction cannot be ruled out. Samantha was a strong, independent woman, but in an isolated park with dense brush and little visibility, she would have been vulnerable. Could she have encountered someone she knew, or was this a random act of violence? There have been cases before where missing persons reappear years later, held captive or forced into a situation beyond their control. Could Samantha still be out there waiting to be found?

Speaker 1: 4:50

There's also the lingering question of why Stevenson was arrested so quickly. The police must have had substantial evidence or a strong lead, yet they've remained tight-lipped about what they know. If there was DNA evidence, was it found at the park At his home? Did someone witness something they haven't yet revealed? The legal system demands proof beyond a reasonable doubt and without a body, securing a conviction will be difficult.

Speaker 1: 5:17

Meanwhile, the community continues to search. Every lead is followed, every new theory dissected. The Murphy family has kept hope alive, refusing to give up until they know what happened to Samantha. The support they've received is overwhelming, with thousands of people invested in the case, desperate for answers. The streets of Ballarat are filled with people who remember her. The streets of Ballarat are filled with people who remember her, who knew her kindness and warmth. She was more than a missing person. She was a mother, a friend, a community member whose absence has left a gaping hole.

Speaker 1: 5:50

There are so many haunting questions left in this case. If Stevenson is guilty, how did he do it and why Did he act alone? If he's innocent, where does that leave the investigation? The justice system must move carefully. A wrongful conviction could mean the real perpetrator remains free, while a lack of sufficient evidence could allow a guilty party to walk. It's a case that demands patience, diligence and, most importantly, truth.

Speaker 1: 6:19

Investigators continue to work behind the scenes searching for that missing piece of evidence that could turn the case on its head. If Samantha is still out there somewhere, what would she want her loved ones to know? What would she tell them if she had the chance? Until answers come, the mystery of her disappearance will remain one of the most heartbreaking cases in recent history. This case is still developing and we will continue to follow the details closely. If you have any thoughts, theories or insights, let us know by reaching out on our social media platforms. That's it for today's episode of the Missing Pieces. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with those who follow true crime. And remember, behind every mystery, there's a family searching for answers. Until next time, stay safe.