Police arrested a 22-year-old Scotsburn man at a home about 6am yesterday.
He has been charged with one count of murder and faced court today.
Murder was a 'deliberate act': Police Chief
Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton told media this afternoon that detectives questioned the man for more than 30 hours after he was taken into custody yesterday.
He said police believed the murder was "a deliberate act" and "not a hit and run".
However, he did not confirm whether police believed a car or drugs and alcohol had been involved.
"I'm not going to speculate on any other details about the death other than it was deliberate," Patton said.
"He's been charged with murder, so by its definition, we're saying this was a deliberate act."
The accused, who has been identified as the son of an AFL player, fronted court this afternoon.
The court heard there were significant management issues around his case due to his young age and it being his first time in custody.
His defense lawyer Daniel Tamineka claimed his client was at risk of self-harm.
The man is not believed to have known Samantha or her family.
Patton said the man had not disclosed to police where Murphy's body was.
He said police would be opposing the man's bail.
"The investigation is far from over. We're doing everything we can to find her body," Patton said.
"For the family it's absolutely vital, and it's something we'll be focusing on.
"We're calling on members of the community to help us to try and get Samantha back."
Police will allege Murphy died at Mount Clear on the day she disappeared.
They are currently not looking for anybody else in connection with the disappearance.
Patton said Samantha's family had come under unnecessary scrutiny within the community of Ballarat.
"Samantha's family have been advised of this tragic news by detectives, and obviously this is a tragic outcome knowing that she has been murdered," Patten said.
"In these cases, it's often families that come under scrutiny. And from the outset, Samantha's family were under intense scrutiny.
"They have been cooperative, they've provided everything we've needed and they had no involvement whatsoever."
Charges come as 'relief' to devastated family
Samantha's husband Mick Murphy this morning said he felt "relief" after hearing a man had been charged.
"It hasn't been a good nearly five weeks. It's like someone's just let the pressure valve off," he said.
Mr Murphy said the past month had been "sh--house" and that he was trying to be brave for his family.
"The adrenaline with everything going on, it's just, it's something you wouldn't want anyone to experience," he said.
"We're doing as best as we can, keeping a brave face.
"The community has been unbelievable. The generosity and support has just been overwhelming."
Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said the investigation had been "significant".
"Our thoughts today are with Samantha's family and friends," he said.
"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."
Family members were seen returning to the home this morning, including Murphy's husband and her daughter.
Close family friend Paula Heenan told The Age they were informed about the arrest when everyone else in the community found out.
Extensive search
Police later confirmed she was wearing a watch and carrying her phone at the time.
The 51-year-old failed to attend a brunch later that day, sparking a huge police investigation led by the Missing Persons Squad.
Crews have previously been focusing their search efforts near the Canadian State Forest, including the Mount Clear region.
A search zone was also established near the Buninyong Golf Club, close to where Murphy's phone was last pinged.
Investigators have also reviewed about 12,000 hours of CCTV footage and followed up more than 500 separate pieces of information during the investigation.
"Unfortunately, given the time and the fact we've found no trace of her, we have severe concerns, and we are very doubtful she is still alive," Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said.
Much-loved member of the community
The 51-year-old was well-known in the community, with the family owning a car repair business and Samantha being heavily involved in the local theatre scene.
Murphy's husband Michael joined his daughter in appealing for public information earlier last month.
"People just don't vanish into thin air, someone's got to know something," he said.
"Whether it be any little thing that you might think is relevant, just call the police."
Police said her husband was not a suspect but said everyone known to Murphy was a "person of interest".
Friends and loved ones of Murphy have been closely following the case, with many volunteering their own time to search for her.
"We are still encouraging everybody to get out there and just do whatever it is that they can to help bring Sam home," Ballarat local Cindy Hobbs said.
"She's part of our community and we don't want anybody out there alone, especially when there are children looking forward to her being returned safely."
Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage and is yet to speak to police to come forward.
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2024-03-07 09:06:15Z
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